Although it’s difficult to say what we would do to save an animal in a life-or-death scenario, those who do deserve to be called “heroes.”

On a chilly day in Buffalo, New York, Don Chatten was walking his two dogs when a woman requested him to help find her little puppy.

He immediately offered to assist her, but as soon as he found the missing dog, he understood there was a threat and knew he needed to move quickly.

In Ellicott Creek Park, the dog had fallen into the frigid waters, and Don realized he wasn’t going to have much time to save her.

Don, according to WKBW News, contacted 911 but chose to save the dog on his own out of concern that they might not get there in time.

He attempted to crawl across the ice, but it broke and he fell into the freezing waters up to his waist.

Don told WKBW News, “I used to come here when I was a kid, so I knew it wasn’t really deep in this part.”

The TV channel reported that the trembling dog was then brought to the veterinarian for an examination.

Watch the video below to learn more about this animal lover’s selfless deeds.