When Frankie from the Strong Island Animal Rescue League saw the doe doing circles in the cold water with a bucket on her head, he knew it was a life-or-death situation.
Without a second thought, the brave man took off his boots and vest and waded into the ice-cold water, knowing he had just minutes to act before the poor doe drowned.
But as the water climbed up his chest to his neck, he realized it was not possible to rescue the doe on his own. He would need some help. Luckily, Frankie caught the attention of a man in a boat a little ways away.
When the boatman heard, he drove over, slowing to help Frankie onto the boat. Hoping they were not already too late, they made a slow approach to the scared and disoriented animal.
Frankie positioned himself on the front of the boat and reached for the can, but it danced just out of reach. For a terrifying moment, the doe went beneath the boat, but as she came out the other side, she was free.
But the rescue was not over yet. The poor animal was still disoriented, spinning in tight circles in the frigid water. They would have to get her to shore somehow.
Once more, Frankie lay at the front of the boat and held the doe in his arms as the boatman guided the ship to shore. Once they pulled up to the shore, and the doe’s feet could touch down, she ran onto dry ground, finally free thanks to these amazing men.
