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Topeka (WIBW) - If it wasn't so cold, you might say Roman the retriever found himself in hot water.

Vicki Hamilton, with Shawnee County's Animal Control, says Roman isn't unlike many animals who go out on icy ponds, become unsure of their footing and fall through the surface.

Ten feet off the shore of Lake Sherwood just before 10 am Tuesday, Roman couldn't get back into the ice ledge to safety. This time of year, the Mission Township dive team has its ice rescue equipment loaded and ready for just such situations.

Team leader Chris Hamilton says it's scary for Roman, but it's something for which the team trains. He says, this time of year, all agencies are prepared for the calls to come in.

Roman was scared of the strangers. Rescuer Jason Schone got a harness around Roman, but the petrified pooch tried to bite and get away.

After several minutes, owner Steve Hutchinson skooted out to Schone and the nervous animal, and plucked Roman from the frigid water.

Rescuers caution it's not what's recommended. They prefer the public stay off the ice. But, in this case, the story has a heart-warming ending.

Mary Hutchinson thanked the rescuers for their efforts, saying they thought the dog would go under and they'd lose him.

Vicki Hamilton says the dog was walking on his own, which was a good sign that hypothermia hadn't yet set in.

Roman was in the water for about 15 minutes. Steve and Mary immediately took him to the vet to be checked out.

What happened to Roman can happen to people just as easily. A reminder, the city of Topeka will post signs at its ponds when the ice is safe for skating.