To think anyone who goes on to a frozen pond to rescue a dog is stupid?

[KimiLivesInStarbucks]

On tonights news two more people have dies trying to save dogs Every time we get a bit of cold weather and Ice we hear these tragic stories of people dying after falling through the ice trying to save a dog.

I like dogs as much as the next person but a dog is replaceable.

So sad for the families,

haha, I was thinking about the Darwin awards

bet I end up in there

would take a very strong will to not go in after your dog, or anyone else's though

"Vallhala - you put your dogs in front of your children?"

I guess so bruxeur, if that's how you view it.

Yes I probably would.

It would be a snap decision for me - I would be unlikely to think too deeply about it.

There are some people I'd happily replace

Are they grown up valhalha?

Yanbu. Human life is worth more than an animals in my opinion. I'd never risk my life for one.

No compo, they're not.

Potentially it is a misguided and selfish act because in many cases the person trying to rescue the dog endangers the lives of their rescuers. In the early 80's I remember 2 owners jumping in the sea off Blackpool to rescue their dog which resulted in not only them being drowned but also 3 police officers who went to the owners rescue. The dog swam back onto the prom by itself. So 4 families devestated over a dog that could swim much better than the supposed rescuers could. Clever dog!

That's quite fucked up, isn't it?

I would jump in to a frozen lake without a thought for my safety to save my children, I would jump in to save a strange child, I would call the fire brigade for a dog, I would not jump in for my dog (don't have one now though) I would not jump in for a strangers dog and I would try to restrain anyone else from doing it.

An animals life is no where near as valid as a human one

I'm with chippy47 on this one.

Incredible indeed.

I do understand why people do it, but one of the tragic things about these desperately sad stories is that frequently the dog survives - it seems that they are much better equipped to help themselves than we are at rescuing them.

I often wonder what happens to the dogs in these situations. Can the people who are left behind bear to keep them?

It's so, so sad.

I doubt people think it's putting their life at risk, most people don't know the dangers of extremely cold water and how quickly it can immobilise you.

I wouldn't save my dog this week, he keeps farting when we're having sex and its really offputting.

Yes there were bystanders who went onto the ice in Leicester after the men who were feeding the ducks, thank god none of them drowned

well it's one thing to say you would or wouldn't, luckily I've never been in that situation so who knows? like I said, rationally I fully accept that the dog almost gets itself out and the human almost always drowns, so possibly I'd remember that and be sensible in a crisis

I just have an awful feeling I probably would jump in, impulse control is not my strong point

If I had a dog that fell through ice and a loved one died trying to save it while the dog lived I would not want that dog anywhere near me.

I dropped this: always

as in dog almost always gets itself out

I hvae two dogs, and much as i love them, i would not risk my life and leaving my children motherless and DH wifeless etc etc to save tehm

i think people larking about on frozen lakes, especially ones labelled thin ice should be charged callout fees for the emergency services who have to come out if they fall in

saw some girls walking across the frozen lake in the park last week. it had a big hole n the middle where the fountain is. my friend warned them off as i was too far away, but theu ignord her

You do not ever dive into freezing water to save anyone, dog or human.

In fact as a general rule you should not get into deep water to save people even if it is not freezing, except as an absolute last resort and only if you are a good strong swimmer and know how to do rescue tows.

You are no use to the person in trouble if you get yourself in trouble too.

If you see someone in difficulties, first call for help, then think about how you can reach them without getting into the water yourself.

Even talking to them until properly trained rescuers get to the scene is more useful than jumping in and putting yourself at risk.

Baywatch is a dirty lie. Nobody dives into water if they are trying to save someone. For a start going in headfirst obscures your view of the person you are trying to save. There are ways to jump in so that you can keep them in vision.

Also never, ever jump or dive into freezing water. It is super, super dangerous and you are likely to go into shock from the cold.

snort@baywatch is a dirty lie!!

you don't say !

Well the number of people here saying they'd leap into the water to save dogs/humans/children would leave you wondering where they got their ideas about what is useful in this kind of situation.

Remember people: silicone breasts are not good flotation devices.

I tell my children time and time again NEVER walk on ice, any ice.

I think people that walk on ice ignoring the warnings almost deserve to go through it.

Stupid Stupid Stupid

I am an animal lover and have been vegetarian for over 20 years - I really really don't like animals to die. BUT I would NOT risk my child being motherless for the sake of a dog...who is likely to die before I do anyway. I am gobsmacked at some of the threads on here, I really am. In fact, I think the only person I would risk my life for, is my own child.

I try and avoid killing of any animal - (be being veggie, careful with spiders etc) but even I know that human life should take priority over an animal. It's bloody selfish to risk your own children having their mother die, not only that, but if your dog dies, a few people are affected at most, but what about the rest of your family, you can't compare the impact it would have???

While feeling sorry for those who died (and thinking they may have reacted without thinking it through) I have to agree that the decision itself was a stupid one.

Actually this is another argument for keeping dogs on a lead unless you can be 100% sure they will come when called. I'm imagining the owners saying "Stop! Come here. Heel" and the dog rushing off regardless.