Coast Guard Rescues Spotty Dog from Icy Detroit River: 'Pretty Grateful'
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit
Thankfully, one pup made it to the new year!
On Sunday, a scared dog with a unique black eye patch was rescued by the Coast Guard when performing their routine patrol of the Detroit River.
The pup had fallen into the river with no way out.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit
RELATED: Ohio Firefighters Rescue Struggling Miniature Bulldog from Lake Eerie: 'He Was About Done'
The Detroit sector of the Coast Guard sent out five of their team on a routine patrol of the shoreline to check ice conditions and ensure people's safety, according to Detroit Free Press.
While all the humans were safe, the team found a dog struggling to swim above the freezing water.
"We don't usually launch for them," spokesman Ensign Adeeb Ahmad told Detroit Free Press about finding dogs in the river. "But since we were out and about, we helped."
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit
RELATED: Disabled Canine Rescued From Dog Meat Trade Donates His Free Time to Help Others as Therapy Dog
In response, 22-year-old Petty Officer Cole Harper and his boat crew headed to thin ice near Grayhaven Island from the Belle Isle station to pull the dog out of the river, per the outlet.
Wearing a dry suit, Harper retrieved the dog from the water and held onto her as they were pulled back to safety by the crew using a tether attached to Harper.
"The dog was welcoming and pretty grateful from what I heard. And pretty happy," Ahmad said.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit
According to their official Facebook post, the Detroit sector kept the dog warm at their station until Detroit Animal Care and Control arrived, which is where she is now.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
And if things weren't already looking up for the pup for the upcoming year, she may find herself with a home soon enough!
"One of the crew members said he told his wife that if no one claims the dog, he'd like to adopt it," Ahmad said.
