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In a world often filled with negativity, a recent act of bravery has reminded us of the goodness that still exists. Chris MacRitchie, a resident of Berlin, Vermont, became an unexpected hero when he jumped into the icy waters of the Winooski River to save a struggling dog.
This heartwarming incident, which took place on a chilly Friday afternoon, was captured on video by MacRitchie’s son and quickly went viral, resonating with viewers across social media platforms.
A moment of instinct
The dramatic rescue began when MacRitchie’s son spotted the dog while they were at a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru.
As they approached the riverbank, the sight of the dog floundering in the frigid water compelled MacRitchie to act. “It was like one of those moments everyone probably has in their life like you’re going to make a decision,” he reflected.
With two dogs of his own, he felt a deep sense of obligation to help. “I would hope someone would do that for them if they were in that spot,” he added.
Braving the elements
Equipped with nothing but a T-shirt, sweats, and boots, MacRitchie waded through the icy water, gasping as he made his way to the dog.
His wife’s encouraging voice could be heard in the background, urging him on. The video shows the tense moment as he reached the dog, lifting it from the water and bringing it to safety on the icy embankment. “The only real stress I had about it wasn’t getting in the cold water.
It was the depth,” he admitted, relieved to find the water was not as deep as he feared.
A joyful reunion
After the rescue, MacRitchie contacted the dog’s owner, Morgan Cerasoli, who had been frantically searching for her beloved pet, Arizona.
Cerasoli, who had rescued Arizona from the side of the road in South Carolina years earlier, was overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the news. “I started crying, and I told him, ‘Oh, my God, I love you,’” she recalled, expressing her gratitude for MacRitchie’s selfless act. Arizona has since recovered, and Cerasoli was moved to tears again after watching the rescue video, praising MacRitchie’s bravery and compassion.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on another’s life. In a time when kindness can feel scarce, MacRitchie’s actions have inspired many to reflect on their own capacity for compassion. As Cerasoli aptly put it, “It’s brave, it’s selfless, it’s commendable. It’s everything that I think that we were on this Earth to be.”
