During a routine patrol on Lake Kenon, our committed rescuers came across a heart-wrenching scene – a defenseless dog stranded in the freezing cold, with its hind legs and tail ensnared beneath a thin layer of ice. This event transpired in a locale near the North Pole, where the intensely cold climate results in rivers and lakes freezing year-round. The ice forms a precarious sheet on the lake’s surface, shielding it from the severe cold and transforming the entire lake into an icy expanse.
Remarkably, even in these challenging conditions, different species of fish manage to survive in the frigid waters, thanks to their adaptability to the extreme cold. Local fishermen, despite confronting freezing temperatures, venture onto the frozen lake equipped with fishing rods and bore holes through the ice to catch these resilient fish. Nevertheless, this profession is rife with peril as the thickness of the ice varies unpredictably, and accidental fissures can widen, potentially leading to dangerous situations for these courageous anglers. To mitigate this, rescue teams conduct routine patrols on these frozen lakes and rivers to promptly respond to any crises.
The narrative I am about to relay took place during one such patrol on Lake Kenon, situated on the outskirts of Chita, the capital of Zabaykalsky Krai. As our team navigated the frozen lake using specialized canoes, they observed an unusual sight. They spotted a creature lying motionless in the bone-chilling cold, enduring temperatures as low as -3 degrees Celsius for an extended period. Upon closer examination, our rescuers identified this creature as a Moscow Watchdog, a breed originating from a mix of Caucasian Shepherd and St. Bernard. The unfortunate animal had its hind legs and tail ensnared beneath a small gap in the ice.
Without hesitation, our courageous soldiers sprang into action, breaking the ice to liberate the stranded canine. They promptly brought the dog onto their canoe, providing the much-needed warmth and comfort. Perplexed by the circumstances surrounding the dog’s solitary presence in the middle of the frozen lake, our rescue team grew anxious that its owner might have encountered an accident while fishing. They initiated a search, but regrettably, found no sign of any humans nearby.
Following a thorough yet unproductive search, our soldiers hurried the dog back to our base for care and treatment. Fortunately, after a brief period of compassionate care, the dog began to recover gradually. Despite our best efforts to locate the owner and reunite them with their cherished pet, no response was received even after sharing the story through local media outlets. It appears that this loyal companion was abandoned by its owner, left to fend for itself in the unforgiving Siberian wilderness.
In the end, after nursing the dog back to health, our rescue team made the difficult choice to release the animal. While this account may have a bittersweet conclusion, it serves as a poignant reminder of the determination and resilience of our dedicated rescue teams, as well as the significance of responsible pet ownership in the challenging landscapes of Siberia.