POOCH IN PERIL

Drowning dog is saved from icy waters

considering what he’d been through.

“Japanese Akitas have a double layer of skin so if he had been any other breed he wouldn’t have survived.”

Levi was rushed to an animal hospital for treatment and was given the all clear to go home later that night.

Nicki, 24, heaped praise on the daring firefighters, adding: “It was really sweet how everyone pulled together to help. The firefighters were amazing. I couldn’t believe how many came out and to see them make so much effort for a dog was just lovely.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “We attended an incident at Coalburn Road, Coalburn at 11.29am on Saturday, January 20, and were there until 2.15pm. A dog was partly submerged in water and ice within a pond.

“The dog was rescued utilising a rescue sled and tethered swimmers.

“A full water rescue was in attendance with appliances from Lesmahagow, Motherwell, Clydesmill and Lanark.”

Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Sarah Parker said: “With the help of the fire and rescue service we were able to bring the dog to safety and reunite with their very relieved owner.”

January 20 turned out to be the coldest night in Britain in two years with temperatures of minus 13.5 celsius recorded in the Scottish Highlands.