Dog called Bucky renamed Lucky after rescue from frozen river near Robert De Niro’s house

A lucky dog was rescued from a frozen river by firefighters after his owner jumped in three times in vain to save him.

Al Diamond’s pooch, Bucky was chasing geese when he slipped through the ice near actor Robert De Niro’s house.

He went into the freezing water fully clothed but had to call in firefighters because it was so cold.

Bucky was stuck in the water 30ft from the edge.

One of the crew members went in with a board to save him while attached to a rope held by a colleague on the bank.

Al praised the rescuers and joked his dog should now be renamed ‘Lucky’.

The rescue happened on the Wallkill River, a tributary of the Hudson River, north of New York, US, on 4 February.

Al said: “Bless these guys.

“I went in three times to try to get him, but the water was over my head.

“I went totally under the first time and had all my clothes on and boots.

“I’m the type who never asks for help and gets it done themselves, but I realised if someone didn’t come soon my dog was a goner.

“We were in the middle of nowhere as well, on the Wallkill across from Robert De Niro’s house, far away from any road.

“I had about five to ten mins of life left in me when these guys showed up, but all I was worried about was my pooch.

“What happened was he saw geese out in the river and tried to chase them, and he didn’t know about ice.

“His name is Bucky, but now his name is Lucky.”

Firefighters Captain, John Barton, and Firefighter, Tony Baxter donned protective dry suits and launched a rescue operation with assistance from the State Police and the New Paltz Rescue Squad.

As Captain Barton shouted instructions from the bank, Firefighter Baxter entered the slushy ice and successfully rescued the dog from the frozen river.

The dog was reunited with its owner and they were taken to the Gardiner Animal Hospital by ambulance.

The pooch was then checked over by vets and was found to be in good health.

A fire department spokesperson said: “While the story ended with treats and belly rubs, please remember that when around frozen rivers and ponds, keep yourself on a short leash and stay off the ice.”

Local Barbara Weiner said: “Thank you for going above and beyond for all members of the community.”

Another, named JoAnne, said: “Thank you for being there for this very wet, cold and scared pup.

“You are all fabulous for saving this furbaby.”