A “split-second” decision from an Alberta man likely saved his pup’s life following a scary plunge into an icy pond.

Duncan McIver told CTV Edmonton on Saturday that he wasn’t just going to stand by and watch his dog, Cosmo, die a frigid death.

After seeing Cosmo break through the ice in St. Albert, Alta., McIver didn't hesitate in jumping into the half-frozen pond.

Angela Jung, the CTV reporter on scene, called emergency personnel upon witnessing the death-defying incident.

“As soon as the ice broke, I just went right in,” a chilled McIver told CTV, which happened to have a crew on scene to do a story on ice safety.

“I think most people would do the same for their dog.”

When he reached Cosmo, McIver lifted the struggling pup out of the water before eventually slogging his way back to shore.

Asked why he risked his life to save the dog, McIver added it wouldn`t have been “much of a life” without him.