Ten Year Old Boy Saves Neighbor's Dog From Drowning
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6 commentsAn Odessa, Washington 5th grader is enjoying local hero status after risking his life to save a dog stranded in an iced over pond.
Ilan Toberly and a friend were walking home from school when they saw a neighbor’s dog, Coda, fall through the ice and plunge into the frigid waters of a neighborhood pond. When the dog became stranded by the ice surrounding it and started to struggle to stay afloat, Ilan’s friend went for help – but Ilan said he could not wait for that help to arrive, so the ten-year-old boy took matters into his own hands and ventured onto the frozen surface of the pond. It was not strong enough to support him, and after a few steps it cracked, dropping Ilan into the water and taking his breath away.
When he recovered from the shock, Ilan collected himself and pressed on. Breaking through the ice, he was able to make his way to the 165 pound dog, free him, and coax him back to shore.
Once Coda was secure, Ilan walked him home. Coda’s owner said she was shocked when she heard what had transpired in her absence, and that Ilan’s bravery was commendable. She expressed tremendous gratitude, and said that she can’t believe the boy would risk his life to save her dog.
“I was scared for him when I found out someone had fallen through the ice trying to save my dog,” she said. “I told him I was so proud of him, and that I was going to write a letter to our local newspaper about small town heroes.”
Ilan said that even after breaking through the ice and feeling the shock the freezing water, and depite the risk to his personal safety, he only had one thing on his mind: making sure that Coda was going to make it home alive.
Someone whom we can all look up too. What a brave young man!
I am so glad this turned out well for both Ilan and Coda. This could have had a very different ending.
What an amazing little boy. Hi mother should be very proud to have raised such a kind and caring young man. I am relieved that both dog and boy are ok. Hopefully Coda’s mom will make sure he doesn’t escape his yard without supervision ever again either.
Ilan you are good man! I hope the irresponsible owner keeps her dog in a fenced yard from now on. I am so glad that all turned out well for you and Coda. I feel that you and had Coda had some guardian angels looking out for you both. Keep on being as good as you are and best of luck to you in the future.
Glad Ilan and Coda are both ok. Someone was sure watching over the both of them. Please watch your dogs that they don’t get loose because you never know what can happen.
Good boy Ilan! If I had a child I would be so proud of them if they did something like this… terrified that they almost died too but so proud!
You are an Angel Ilan. Adults can take lessons in compassion and caring and humanity from you. I am so glad you are both O.K. You are a very brave young man and I’m glad you had an angel watching over you while you resued Coda.