Heartwarming footage shows the moment a dog was rescued by firefighters after she fell into a freezing canal while chasing ducks. <br /><br />The hapless pooch, named Bella, became trapped after plunging through the ice near Greadier Street, in Willenhall, West Mids., on Thursday (19/1).<br /><br />The owner tried to rescue her pet but was forced to retreated because of the sub-zero temperatures and fire crews attended the scene at 10.50am. <br /><br />A total of 18 firefighters initially tried to use a ladder to rescue Bella before using an inflatable device to bring her safely back to dry land. <br /><br />Video footage captured the moment the dog was plucked from the icy waterway and reunited with her relieved owner who can be heard saying: "Hi baby, good girl."<br /><br />The owner and dog were wrapped in foil blankets and warmed up in the back of a fire engine before crews left the scene at 12.25pm.<br /><br />Mark Cundy, watch commander at Bloxwich Community Fire Station, shared footage of the rescue and said both dog and owner were doing well following their ordeal.<br /><br />He said: "A great team effort from all mentioned crews using an inflatable ice path and Bella was pulled to safety. <br /><br />"Owner and dog are both well. Great effort by all!"<br /><br />A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Keep your pup safe in winter weather. Avoid frozen rivers, lakes, ponds and canals.<br /><br />"If your dog gets stranded on ice, or falls into freezing water, never go in after them. Inland, seek help from the fire service by dialling 999 or 112."
