Coast Guard Pulls Lucky Labrador From Icy Michigan Channel

FRANKFORT, Mich. (AP) - A lucky Labrador has been rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after falling into an icy northern Michigan channel.

The Grand Rapids Press reports that staffers at the Frankfort Coast Guard station saw the dog go into the waterway Tuesday morning between Betsie Lake and Lake Michigan.

Boatswain mate Tim Putnam and others quickly tossed on ice rescue suits and went in after the dog, which by that time was struggling to stay afloat.

Putnam says he was able to push ice away and move forward in the water. The crew used a rope and had the dog out in about 24 minutes.

Putnam described the dog as being "pretty shook up." It was taken to an animal shelter and is expected to recover from its chilly ordeal.

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