LAKEWOOD, Colo. -- With sunlight fading, so too were Max's chances of surviving frigid temperatures while treading water in icy waters of Smith Reservoir.
The 85-pound dog had been paddling in the lake for 20 minutes and his owner knew there wasn't much time left.
“I’m just freaking out because I know there is no good coming to the end of this story,” said Michael Richardson.
Max took off onto the frozen lake while chasing after a coyote just before sunset as he was being walked.
Seconds later he was in the water as Richardson frantically dialed 911.
“Now I’m just waiting for some help and hopefully they get here in time,” Richardson said.
Max’s hopes for survival came down to the West Metro Dive Team and firefighter Tyler Sugaski.
As he waded over ice to the water's edge, he finally broke through into the frigid waters.
He’s trained for this exact scenario, but never actually done it.
“It was clear (Max) was slowing down. He knew the minute I got in it was safest to come towards me,” said Sugaski.
With not much time left, Max’s instincts may have saved him.
Firefighters pushed him safely to the edge of ice where Sugaski hoisted him out.
An hour later he was home with his family.
The 85-pound dog had been paddling in the lake for 20 minutes and his owner knew there wasn't much time left.
“I’m just freaking out because I know there is no good coming to the end of this story,” said Michael Richardson.
Max took off onto the frozen lake while chasing after a coyote just before sunset as he was being walked.
Seconds later he was in the water as Richardson frantically dialed 911.
“Now I’m just waiting for some help and hopefully they get here in time,” Richardson said.
Max’s hopes for survival came down to the West Metro Dive Team and firefighter Tyler Sugaski.
As he waded over ice to the water's edge, he finally broke through into the frigid waters.
He’s trained for this exact scenario, but never actually done it.
“It was clear (Max) was slowing down. He knew the minute I got in it was safest to come towards me,” said Sugaski.
With not much time left, Max’s instincts may have saved him.
Firefighters pushed him safely to the edge of ice where Sugaski hoisted him out.
An hour later he was home with his family.
