In a heart-stopping rescue operation, a 65-year-old man from Traverse City, Michigan, was saved from the frigid waters of Arbutus Lake with the assistance of a quick-thinking motor carrier officer and his loyal dog, Ruby. The incident occurred on Thursday morning in East Bay Township and was captured in a harrowing two-minute video released by the Michigan State Police.

According to the state police statement, bystanders called 911 after witnessing the man fall through the ice. Motor carrier officer Kammeron Bennetts arrived at the scene, armed with a "rescue disc" obtained from his patrol vehicle. However, due to treacherous ice conditions, Bennetts could not reach the man to perform the rescue himself.

In a brilliant stroke of ingenuity, Bennetts called upon the man's dog, Ruby, to assist in the rescue effort. The officer attached the orange rescue disc to Ruby's collar, securing it with a yellow rope. With the man's dog now acting as a lifeline, Bennetts instructed the man to call for Ruby while he held onto the rope.

In the gripping body camera footage, Bennetts can be heard urging the man to kick his feet and stay afloat. With unwavering determination, the officer continued issuing commands to keep the man engaged and focused on survival. After approximately 16 minutes in the icy water, the man successfully grabbed hold of the rescue disc and began kicking his feet towards the surface.

The video ends with the dramatic moment when the rescued man reaches the officer and another individual waiting on the shore. The man was pulled to safety, lying on his stomach, by the heroic efforts of Bennetts and his trusty K-9 companion, Ruby. Unfortunately, the video does not capture Ruby's triumphant return, as she is out of the camera's view.

This remarkable rescue comes just weeks after another incident in which a hiker in Hawaii was saved in part because of her barking dog. These stories serve as a reminder of the exceptional bond between humans and their loyal, courageous animals, who often become unexpected heroes in times of crisis.

The Michigan State Police commended Officer Bennetts for his quick thinking and the instrumental role that Ruby played in saving the man's life. Thanks to their heroic actions, the man was successfully rescued from the icy waters, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant and resourceful during emergency situations.

As winter persists, it is vital to exercise caution around frozen bodies of water and to be prepared for potential hazards. The Michigan State Police advises the public to reach out to authorities in case of emergency and reminds all pet owners to ensure the safety of their animals during outdoor activities.