First responders assisted in the water rescue of a dog Thursday afternoon. The dog was retrieved from a frozen pond near Deep Lake Drive in Cranberry Township, where it was estimated the animal was in frigid water for 30 to 40 minutes.

CRANBERRY TWP — First responders from Cranberry, Adams and Middlesex townships assisted in the water rescue of a dog Thursday afternoon.

Cranberry Township fire company, EMS and police department joined Adams Area Fire District and Butler County Water Rescue Team 300 in retrieving a dog that fell through the ice of a pond around 1 p.m. near Deep Lake Drive.

The hound was likely in the water for 30 to 40 minutes, according to Cranberry Township Police Sgt. William Ahlgren. Temperatures were in the low 20s at the time.

“It was a long time in this weather,” Ahlgren said.

A neighbor contacted 911 after hearing the dog barking in distress.

The dog was transported to Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center North, where it was later reported to be in critical, but stable, condition.

Ahlgren said it was unclear at the time of the incident whether the dog has an owner.

A representative from the veterinary center confirmed the dog's owner was later identified via microchip.

Ahlgren advised pet owners to take special care to keep track of their animals during the winter. Frigid temperatures can be dangerous to animals.

“Try to keep track of your dog,” Ahlgren said. “It doesn't take very long.”

The sex of the dog was not released.

Eagle staff writer Alex Weidenhof contributed to this report.