Hazlet (USA) - A dramatic scene unfolded last Wednesday morning in Veterans Park in Hazelt ( US state of New Jersey): A small dog ran onto a frozen lake because she was chasing a goose. She broke into the ice in the middle of the lake - a fight for survival began!

Shortly before 10 a.m., the local police received a call from a desperate dog owner. Her beloved dog Taffy was stuck in the frozen lake.

Patrolman Doug Centrone - who fortunately is also part of the Maritime Emergency Rescue Team - was quickly on the scene.

He immediately donned his gear and carefully made his way onto the thin layer of ice that lay over the lake. He felt his way forward until he finally reached Taffy.

He lifted the completely soaked dog onto the brittle ice and finally managed to bring her back to the safe shore.

Taffy's owner was overjoyed when her beloved pet was finally back with her. The dog was immediately wrapped in a blanket and brought into the warm car. Thanks to Centrone's heroic efforts, she survived the accident without any major injuries.

"We would like to commend Patrolman Centrone for his quick action and for demonstrating the importance of helping anyone in need - including dogs!" concluded the Hazlet Police Department.