Rescuers save dog from icy Hannibal pond

HANNIBAL — A dog that fell through ice in a Hannibal park managed to hang on for about an hour before a rescue effort was able to free him.

The incident happened Wednesday morning in Huckleberry Park. Larry Welch was on his way to work when he saw the dog struggling in the frigid water.

Welch called his adult sons and asked them to bring a small boat to the pond. First they had to bust through the ice that was 2 inches thick in spots.

Once they reached the dog, the men attached a hook to its collar, and the dog was pulled to shore. By then, a crowd of onlookers had gathered. They applauded as the dog made it to safety.

The giant schnauzer was treated by a veterinarian and was being returned to its owner, though police continue to investigate.