Heroic Act in Vladivostok: Man Saves Dog Whose Tongue Got Stuck to Frozen Metal in Harsh Cold
In the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, where winter temperatures regularly plunge well below freezing, an emotional and inspiring act of kindness recently captured the hearts of thousands online. A stray dog, wandering in the bitter cold, found itself in a terrifying and painful situation — one that could have ended very differently if not for the intervention of a caring stranger.
The Incident: A Dangerous Mistake in Freezing Conditions
It happened early in the morning near a residential block where temperatures had fallen to nearly -15°C (5°F). A local resident noticed a medium-sized dog stuck in place, whining and clearly in distress. As the man got closer, he realized that the dog’s tongue had become frozen to a metal surface — possibly a manhole cover, railing, or pole — something commonly found along the icy streets.
This situation may sound unusual, but it is not unheard of during winter months in frigid regions. When a warm, moist surface (like a tongue) comes in contact with extremely cold metal, the moisture can instantly freeze, effectively bonding the tongue to the metal and making it nearly impossible to pull away without causing serious injury.
The stray dog, shivering and clearly frightened, had likely been seeking food, water, or simply exploring its environment when it made the painful mistake of licking the metal surface.
A Calm and Compassionate Response
Instead of walking away or panicking, the man — who has not yet been publicly identified — sprang into action. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, he rushed to retrieve a bottle of warm water, reportedly from a nearby store or home.
In a video that later went viral on social media platforms, he is seen carefully pouring the warm water over the dog’s tongue while speaking gently to calm the animal. After a few moments, the ice began to melt, slowly loosening the dog’s tongue without the need to pull or tug, which could have resulted in severe pain or injury.
Once freed, the dog quickly backed away, looking confused but clearly relieved. Witnesses said the animal showed visible signs of gratitude — wagging its tail and staying near the man for a short time before finally trotting off.
Viral Reaction: Kindness in a Cold World
The video of the rescue quickly gained traction online, with animal lovers from around the world applauding the man’s quick thinking and gentle approach. Many people commented on how easily the situation could have turned tragic had the dog been left alone for too long — or had someone tried to forcefully pull its tongue from the metal.
“What a hero,” one commenter wrote. “He didn’t hesitate to help, and he did it the right way.” Others used the moment as an opportunity to remind people of the dangers of freezing temperatures, especially for animals and small children.
Safety Advice: What to Do in a Similar Situation
Experts recommend never trying to pull or jerk a frozen tongue (or any body part) from metal surfaces in the cold. Doing so can tear the skin or tissue and cause long-term injury. Instead, warm water should be gently poured over the area until the bond melts away naturally.
This applies not only to animals but also to children who may accidentally lick frozen poles or railings in cold weather. It’s a well-known risk in cold climates, yet it still happens more often than one might expect.
Hope for the Dog’s Future
While the dog appeared to be a stray, local animal rescue groups and online users have expressed interest in finding the dog and ensuring it receives medical care, food, and shelter. Several users even asked whether the man who saved it might be willing to adopt it, given the touching connection formed during the rescue.
One user commented, “He saved that dog like it was his own. That kind of heart deserves a loyal companion.”
A Small Act with a Big Impact
Though it was just a few moments in a cold alleyway, this simple act of compassion has warmed hearts around the world. In a time when bad news often dominates headlines, this story from Vladivostok serves as a beautiful reminder of how everyday people can make a difference — not with grand gestures, but with empathy, awareness, and a willingness to help those who cannot help themselves.
