Firefighters rescued a dog that got stuck in thick mud on the banks of the Cowlitz River Saturday.
The dog's owner, Greg Packwell, called 911 for help just after 3:30 p.m. He told dispatchers he tried to rescue his pet, but had to give up because he started getting stuck, too.
The black lab was shivering in water up to his chest when firefighters arrived at the scene, according to Eric Koreis, Battalion Chief with the Longview Fire Department.
The firefighters quickly deployed a ladder on top of the mud to walk on. Then, on their hands and knees, paramedic Tucker Williams and EMT Mike Lewis dug the dog out with their bare hands.
Williams was concerned with the dog’s condition when he carried it to safety.
"It was freezing. The dog was just shivering and couldn't stand," he said.
Williams and Lewis wrapped the dog in a blanket and carried him to Packwell's vehicle.
Thankfully, after just a few minutes of warming, the dog's condition improved.
Packwell said the park is one of his dog’s favorite places to play, so they will be back. Next time, they’ll be careful to avoid the really muddy spots.