Dog dies after falling into Mianus

A Greenwich dog died Wednesday after falling into the Mianus River, despite intense rescue efforts by its owner and first responders.

The dog fell into the river near its owner's waterfront residence on Cary Road, with the owner then going into the water to try to save the dog, according to Greenwich Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Zack.

Zack sent two firefighters in cold-water exposure suits into the water to rescue the dog. The firefighters then started CPR. Rescue personnel worked "feverishly" to revive the dog in an ambulance on the way to an undisclosed Stamford veterinarian, Zack said.

The dog was pronounced dead at the veterinarian's office, according to Zack. The owner was treated for hypothermia and transported to a hospital, Zack said.

"We're big advocates of people staying out of the water at this time of year," Zack said. "It's in (their) best interests to call 911 quickly, so the fire department, which has the equipment to initiate this kind of rescue, can respond.

"It's your natural instinct as a dog owner to want to save your dog's life in this situation," Zack added. "The problem is, with the current of the river and the frigid temperatures, those two are going to take a toll on the human body quickly."

The deputy chief also advised residents to observe all town signs around waterways and to not skate, for instance, on frozen-over areas unless posted town directives allowed such activity.

In addition to its Cos Cob contingent, the fire department also deployed firefighters from its Sound Beach station to respond to the incident.

pschott@scni.com; 203-625-4439; twitter: @paulschott