By Pat Licata-REALTOR
If you know anything about me, you know that I am an animal person. So I’m sure you can imagine how excited and proud I was to learn that the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Lake of the Woods Fire & Rescue were both involved in a heroic rescue of 12 year old yellow lab, Tucker! And my friend, Anita Walton, owner of Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic, and her staff treated Tucker after the rescue!
Tucker escaped from his home at around 6:30pm on February 1st, and his frolics landed him in the ice cold water of a frozen pond not far from Lake of the Woods off of Rapidan Hills Road. While we can only guess exactly how long he was stranded in the pond, chest deep, it was at least a few hours. Fortunately he was noticed, and that’s when our fine rescue crews sprung into action! With the assistance of Orange County Deputies Broyles and Cutone and firefighter Jeff Leibold, the dog was pulled from the pond by firefighter Aaron Lovell, who himself fell through the ice when pulling the lab to safety. The lab was then taken to Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic. After a short stay at the clinic, where Tucker received a well-needed “spa treatment package,” he was off to the Orange County Shelter for the night. His owners then retrieved him the following morning.
These caring actions of so many people involved to save the life of Tucker is just one of the many reasons why our community is so fantastic!
Until next time…It’s another beautiful day at the lake!