Little Falls, New York, USA – On the morning of January 10, 2026, New York State Police and Little Falls Police officers responded to an emergency at the Industrial Park in Little Falls, Herkimer County, after a woman and her dog fell through ice near the barge canal.

A passerby called 911 to report the incident. The woman was walking her Labrador Bernese Mountain Dog when the dog fell into the icy water. She fell in while attempting to save her pet.

The Little Falls Fire Department and police officers rescued the woman, but the dog remained in the freezing water, beginning to submerge.

Trooper Michael Szarek first attempted to reach the dog with a rescue rope, but the dog could not hold on. Trooper Szarek and Officer Austin of the Little Falls Police then entered the icy water and successfully retrieved the dog.

Both the woman and the dog were brought safely to shore. Authorities confirmed that neither sustained serious injuries.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download