Two fishermen got quite the surprise when they were out on the Detroit River. While they were looking for some fish, they stumbled upon what looked like a white wolf. After containing their excitement at the stunning creature, the two realized that the animal was stuck on the icy river and in need of rescuing.
Videos by Outdoors
White “Wolf” Along The Icy River Is In Need Of Rescuing
The fishermen spotted the animal walking along the shallow waters of the icy river. Desperate to help the creature escape the cold, the men ventured closer. Upon further inspection, they realized that what they thought was a white wolf was actually just a dog.
Between the strong winds, concrete pillars, and the dog’s skittish nature, the men could not get close enough to assist the stranded animal. That is when one of the men called his wife for assistance. Thinking quickly, The Dodo shared that the woman “reached out to The KARENS, an outreach organization that helps dogs in emergency situations.”
Co-founder of The KARENS, Chantal Rzewnicki, spoke to The Dodo about how they approached the rescue. The team gathered ladders and quickly headed to the icy river, but similar to the fishermen, they could not access the dog. Despite their best efforts, they could not reach the dog, whom they named Gordie.
Finally, A Happy Ending
After realizing that they could not assist the white wolf look-alike, the KARENS called in some backup. They contacted Michigan Humane and the fire department for assistance. The next morning, everyone was there and ready to save a life. They realized the only way to save Gordie from the icy river was to get into it themselves.
The rescue team donned wetsuits that would allow them to withstand the below-freezing temperatures and climbed down a ladder into the frigid water. Then, with patience and the help of a catch pole, the team was able to grab Gordie and remove him from the icy river.
The poor thing was very nervous, and the rescue team estimated that he had been in those horrid conditions for over 24 hours. “He was really hungry,” Rzewnicki shared, “and he was hypothermic.”
Luckily, the worst of Gordie’s story was over. The white wolf look-alike was rushed to Michigan Humane, where he was treated and cared for. Besides his hypothermia, the dog was uninjured. His days are now full of snoozing on warm blankets, meeting other doggy friends, and waiting for someone to give him a forever home.
