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'This Man Will Forever Be My Hero!' Stranger Rescues Woman's Dog From Icy River

January 16, 2025

A heartwarming story from Barre, Vermont, is warming hearts online after a man risked his safety to save a missing dog from an icy river.

Morgan Cerasoli, the dog’s owner, shared a viral video of Chris MacRitchie, a stranger, jumping into the freezing waters to rescue her dog, Arizona, who had been missing for days.

Credit: Morgan Cerasoli / Facebook

The dramatic rescue was captured on video by MacRitchie’s 15-year-old son, adding a personal and poignant touch to the heroic act.

In a heartfelt comment on Facebook, Cerasoli expressed her overwhelming gratitude for MacRitchie’s courage.

"Never told a stranger I love him so many times before," she wrote. "To some, this may just be a man rescuing a dog, but to me, it's a man rescuing an extension of my soul!"

The video, paired with Cerasoli's heartfelt message, has touched the hearts of thousands, with many praising MacRitchie as a true hero!