WESTMINSTER, Colo. -- Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy pond in Westminster on Thursday afternoon.

The fire department was called after the small dog fell into the water at about 2:30 p.m. at Faversham Park on 73rd Avenue.

The B shift from Westminster Fire Station #1 donned ice rescue gear, slid out on the ice and got the dog, according to spokeswoman Diana Allen.

Allen said the dog's owner took the pup home to dry it off and warm it up.

The owner of the dog contacted 7NEWS and said the dog is a 4-year-old basenji named Bello. The owner said Bello was in a walking harness on a leash when he ran after some ducks on the pond and the leash snapped. She added that Bello had never been on ice before and he slid into the water when he couldn't stop in time.

Westminster Fire issued a reminder that it is important to keep your dog on a leash and never go out on the ice yourself to save your pet.