In a heartwarming rescue, a 65-year-old man from Traverse City, Michigan, was saved from the icy waters of Arbutus Lake with the help of his loyal dog, Ruby, and a quick-thinking Michigan State Police officer. The incident occurred on January 18, when the man fell through the thin ice on the lake, leaving only his head and shoulders above the freezing water. Bystanders immediately called 911, and Officer Kammeron Bennetts was dispatched to the scene.

Upon arriving, Officer Bennetts realized that the treacherous conditions prevented him from reaching the distressed man. Determined to save him, Bennetts first attempted to throw a rescue disc connected to a rope out to the man. Unfortunately, this plan failed. Thinking on his feet, the officer then called upon the man's dog, Ruby, for assistance. Shouting to the man, Bennetts asked him to send Ruby over to him.

In a heartwarming moment captured on the officer's body camera, Bennetts can be seen yelling, "Ruby come here!" as he whistles to the dog. Ruby obediently runs to him, her tail wagging with excitement. Bennetts then attaches the rescue disc to Ruby's collar and instructs the man to call his furry companion back to him. With the disc securely attached, the officer orders the man to bring his feet up to the surface by kicking his legs.

With the man now partially out of the water, Bennetts pulls him onto the surface of the lake and drags him onto the ice. With the help of a firefighter from the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, the officer grabs the man's arms, with Ruby still attached to the rope. They successfully bring the man to safety.

The man was immediately taken to a nearby hospital via ambulance for treatment. Thankfully, he was later released and is expected to make a full recovery. The Michigan State Police praised Officer Bennetts and Ruby for their heroic efforts, calling it an "amazing ice rescue" and commending their "creative thinking" and "excellent job."

This heartwarming rescue serves as a reminder of the incredible bond between humans and their pets, as well as the bravery and resourcefulness of our first responders. It also highlights the importance of quick action in emergency situations, as Officer Bennetts' innovative use of Ruby ultimately saved the man's life.