Man Rescued After Falling Through Ice While Trying to Save Dog

A Wellesley man and his dog are lucky to be alive after both fell through the ice while out for a walk at Lake Waban on Sunday. Ed Berger, who had ventured onto the ice to save his 8-year-old cocker spaniel, Tommy, was rescued along with his dog in a dramatic operation that was caught on video by a drone.

A Frantic Attempt to Save His Dog

Berger was walking near the lake with Tommy and his other dog, Oscar, when the incident occurred. As the group passed a dock extending onto the ice, Tommy ran toward some birds and ended up falling through the brittle surface.

“We turned the corner, and the dog saw some birds near the dock and went for them,” Berger recalled. “Before I knew it, Tommy was in the water.” As a trained EMT, Berger immediately took action. He asked a bystander to call 911 before he attempted to rescue his dog with a boat he found nearby.

But, in the chaos of trying to save Tommy, Berger also fell through the ice. “There's nothing worse than not being able to help your dog,” he said. “You love them like family, and that’s exactly how I felt.”

The Rescue Caught on Camera

The situation quickly became urgent as both Berger and Tommy were stranded in freezing waters. Berger estimates he was in the ice-cold lake for 10 to 15 minutes, while Tommy endured the chill for nearly half an hour.

Wellesley first responders, including firefighters from Wellesley College, arrived at the scene and began working quickly to pull the pair from the water. The entire rescue operation was captured on video by a drone, showing the firefighters’ expert response as they carefully extricated both Berger and his dog.

“The dog was the more difficult rescue,” said Deputy Chief Michael Giagante of the Wellesley Fire Department. “He didn’t make it very far, and the cold water made it tough for both of them.”

A Lesson in Ice Safety for Pet Owners

While both Berger and Tommy were safely pulled from the ice, the rescue serves as a critical reminder to pet owners in the area. Deputy Chief Giagante emphasized that, should a dog fall through ice, owners should immediately call 911 and avoid trying to rescue the pet on their own.

“It’s important to leave these situations to trained professionals who are equipped to handle them safely,” Giagante explained.

Berger, grateful for the quick actions of the first responders, said he would not hesitate to jump back into the water for his dog again, despite the dangerous circumstances. “The firefighters were so well-trained, it was like they knew exactly what they were doing. They executed it perfectly,” he said.

Tommy and Oscar are both doing well after the ordeal, and Berger is thankful to be reunited with his furry companions.

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