Dog Found Clinging To Ice In The Middle Of Frozen River

When a dog fell through thin ice, he could've easily died of any number of issues: drowning, hypothermia, exhaustion. Amazingly, he was able to hold on for his life until rescuers were able to reach him.

The entire rescue was captured on video and posted to YouTube on Tuesday with little background information.

The boat made its way over the sloshy ice toward the dog, who was struggling to keep himself afloat in the Volga River of Yaroslavl, Russia.

YouTube/WorldBreakingNews

YouTube/WorldBreakingNews

The boat gently approached the dog so as not to break the ice and endanger the dog even further.

YouTube/WorldBreakingNews

YouTube/WorldBreakingNews

Once the dog was in arm's distance, his rescuer grabbed him by his scruff and hoisted him up onto the boat.

YouTube/WorldBreakingNews

YouTube/WorldBreakingNews

Shaking from the cold and anxiety of nearly drowning, the dog realized he had reached safety at last.

YouTube/WorldBreakingNews

YouTube/WorldBreakingNews

It's unclear why the dog ventured out onto thin ice. Perhaps he was chasing a smaller animal whose weight the ice could support. Perhaps he was just going for a stroll.

Whatever the reason, he showed great willpower to hold himself up from drowning. Thanks to his might and the rescuers' speed and agility, this dog will have more adventures to come.

Don't take chances when it comes to your dog's safety. Keep your dog on a leash if you're anywhere near icy waters. And if an accident occurs, be sure to call 911 before you put yourself in danger, too.

Watch the full video below.

click to play video