Firefighters rescue golden retriever from frozen backyard pond

— -- It took a team of three firefighters, assisted by two police officers, to pull a 3-year-old golden retriever from a frozen backyard pond in New Hampshire.

The dog, Emmett, fell into the pond while running in the backyard of its owner's North Hampton home on Wednesday morning.

The owner called 911 for help after a family member tried to go into the pond to rescue the family pet but realized the water was not safe.

Firefighters from North Hampton Fire and Rescue responded within five minutes of the call and saw the dog in distress, according to Deputy Fire Chief Jason Lajoie.

“It wasn’t a normal bark,” Lajoie told ABC News of the sound he heard Emmett make. “His head was just above water and he was definitely panicked.”

Two of the firefighters suited up in water rescue suits and one ventured out into the water, tethered to a rope for safety.

The firefighter was able to pick up Emmett and the pair were then pulled safely back to shore. he entire rescue was executed in just under five minutes, according to Lajoie.

“The dog could definitely tell we were there to help,” he said. “He was very friendly and you could tell he was very thankful.”

Emmett was taken by the police officers to a local animal hospital. He was treated for mild hypothermia and released a few hours later to his family, Lajoie said.

Temperatures in New Hampshire remain cold despite the spring season. As the state faces the possibility of more snow this weekend, Lajoie said people living in cold climates should remain alert.

“Even though its spring, things are still frozen,” he said. “This could happen to anybody anywhere and this could have easily been a child.”

In the case of Emmett’s rescue, Lajoie stressed the importance of the quick thinking of Emmett’s owner to call 911 and the rapid response from the five-person rescue crew.

“It’s so important you have a rapid response from professionals to be able to get there and perform these rescues,” he said.