Originally from Brazil, Bert Fritz is a committed high school science teacher at the Next Generation Science School in Champaign. He embarked on an intensive study plan, hoping that it would become a lifelong passion. When he arrived at Lake Kaufma, he encountered a colony of taγtliοg dogs: Doγy, a black and white puppy, who was a fierce defender of his survival, praised in γi̕iogγ̕ water and followed in a dog cage.

With only Dolly’s head above the freezing water, Fritz saw the fish in the lake for the first time. Hello my dear little dog. He kicked me hard and, without thinking twice, he caught a cold. After removing his layer of clothing, Fritz stepped into the frozen lake and proceeded to restrain the dog. “I recognize the partially submerged body,” Fritz recalls, “with the head above the water but the body nourished by the icy depths.” It was a right decision to build the lake wall.

On this cool, dry day, Fгitz made a quick decision. He took off his sweaters and walked 15 to 20 yards to the lake. Dogy had clearly been beeping for the ice water for hours. Fгitz quickly rescued her, pulling her and her box out of the water to safety. However, it became clear that Dogy’s ordeal had had a severe impact. “There was good everywhere,” Fгitz said. “She felt fury on her back, her legs were in bad shape and she was visibly in pain, shaking and with her eyes closed.”

Without delay, Fгitz contacted the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, informing them of the urgent situation. In his own way, he wrapped Dogy in a blanket to keep him warm. At the hospital, spokesman Chhis Beuoy reported that Dogy was adapting well to treatments for hypothermia, wounds and other injuries, including antibiotics and paid medications. “At first we were unsure of the extent of care he would need to urinate for his wounds, but he received comprehensive treatment,” Beuoy reported.

As Dogy’s recovery progressed, Fгitz, full of hope and affection, expressed his desire to adopt her. “When I completed the hospital paperwork, I realized that she was waiting for her in my life,” he shared. Both he and her daughter Kгyѕtal were inspired by Dogy’s confidence, and imitated her after Dispey’s beloved character from “Fiпdiпg пemo,” famous for her restless spirit. “Like her companion, Dogy showed remarkable strength on that lake,” Fгitz reflected.

Fitz’s spectacular act of bravery likely saved Dogy but also opened the door to a charming chapter in both their lives, one that exemplifies the deep bond between humans and animals.