On a bitterly cold January afternoon in the Mid South, a quiet farm outside Memphis became the scene of an extraordinary rescue. Ice had sealed over a shallow pond after a winter storm swept through the region. Beneath that frozen surface, a frightened horse struggled to stay upright in frigid water. What followed was a coordinated effort that showcased preparation, teamwork, and compassion in action.
According to local reports, a visually impaired rescue horse named Joey was saved after becoming trapped in a frozen pond in Shelby County, Tennessee. The rescue was carried out by the Shelby County Disaster Animal Response Team following a request from local authorities.
A Winter Emergency in Shelby County
On January 26, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to request assistance. A horse had fallen into a shallow pond that had frozen over after a winter storm moved through the area.
When members of the county’s Disaster Animal Response Team arrived, they found Joey standing in approximately three feet of icy water. Officials reported that the horse was showing signs consistent with hypothermia, a condition that can occur when body temperature drops due to prolonged exposure to cold environments.
It was later shared that this was the second time the horse had fallen into the pond that same day.
The Challenge of Ice and Cold Water
Rescuing a large animal from frozen water is a complex and potentially dangerous task. Ice can be unstable, and responders themselves face the risk of cold exposure. Because of these risks, trained personnel and specialized techniques are essential.
Authorities determined that an ice rescue approach was required. Using a kayak to reach the horse safely, responders broke through the surrounding ice with tools including a sledgehammer and an ax. The coordinated effort allowed them to create enough space to guide the horse out of the frozen water.
According to Jessie Sidle, a customer care supervisor with Memphis Animal Services and a member of the Disaster Animal Response Team, the rescue took about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Joey’s Story: A Visually Impaired Rescue Horse
Joey’s situation was further complicated by visual impairment. Reports indicated that he is blind in one eye and had previously been rescued from an abusive situation. On the day of the incident, he reportedly knocked down a fence and wandered onto the frozen pond, where the ice gave way beneath him.
Visually impaired animals can face additional environmental challenges, especially during severe weather. Changes in terrain, ice formation, and reduced visibility can increase the likelihood of accidents.
The owner allowed authorities to transport Joey to Memphis Animal Services, where he could receive monitoring and care until conditions improve and the ice melts.
A Multi Agency Response
The rescue involved coordination among several agencies and professionals. In addition to the Shelby County Emergency Management team and Memphis Animal Services, assistance and consultation were provided by equine and disaster response experts.
Among those contacted were Dr. Jennifer Dunlap, an equine veterinarian, representatives from Fayette County’s Disaster Animal Response Team, and a member of the American Humane Animal Response Team.
This network of support underscores how specialized animal rescue operations often require cross agency collaboration. Training in water and ice rescue techniques is particularly important when dealing with large animals, both to protect the animal and to ensure the safety of responders.
Why Disaster Animal Response Teams Matter
Director Brenda Jones of the Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency described the rescue as a powerful example of why the Disaster Animal Response Team was created. In emergencies involving animals, quick decision making, specialized training, and coordinated teamwork can make a critical difference.
Disaster Animal Response Teams across the country are designed to assist during natural disasters, extreme weather events, and other emergencies involving pets and livestock. Their work not only helps animals in distress but also reduces risks to owners and first responders who might otherwise attempt dangerous rescues without proper equipment or training.
Winter storms in particular can create unexpected hazards, including frozen ponds, icy walkways, and structural damage to fencing that may allow animals to wander into unsafe areas.
Caring for Animals After Rescue
After being removed from the frozen pond, Joey was transported to Memphis Animal Services for continued care and observation. Monitoring for hypothermia involves gradually restoring body temperature, ensuring proper hydration, and assessing for any injuries sustained during the incident.
Officials stated that Joey will remain at the facility until the ice melts, ensuring both his safety and the safety of others.
The careful post rescue plan highlights another important aspect of animal emergency response: the rescue itself is only the first step. Ongoing care, evaluation, and environmental adjustments are equally essential to long term recovery.
A Reflection on Preparedness and Compassion
Stories like Joey’s resonate because they combine urgency with hope. A vulnerable animal, already facing visual challenges, found itself in a life threatening situation brought on by winter weather. Yet through preparation and teamwork, responders were able to act swiftly and safely.
Severe weather events are reminders that both people and animals rely on planning, infrastructure, and community support. Disaster response teams exist precisely for these unpredictable moments when training and compassion intersect.
Human curiosity often draws us to dramatic rescue stories, but behind each headline is a network of professionals and volunteers committed to readiness. Their work reflects a broader commitment to protecting not only communities, but also the animals who share our environments.
In Joey’s case, a frozen pond became a test of coordination and care. The successful rescue stands as a testament to what can happen when expertise, collaboration, and empathy come together at exactly the right time.