Delivering packages in Bozeman, Montana in the cold of winter comes with plenty of challenges. Not one that you run into everyday is the sound of a screaming, crying dog. Ryan Arens was ready for anything that day tho, and when he heard the cry for help he jumped into action without hesitation. He ran towards the scream and saw the dog trapped 15 feet off of shore, with ice all around. An older man was in a row boat making little progress through the ice. Ryan stripped off his uniform and broke through the ice. He swam out to the struggling dog whose time was getting very limited. Once back to shore they were let in a neighbor's house to get warm and recover.
Ryan said, “This dog had a whole lot of life left in her, and I’m really glad i was able to act when i did. She’s a sweetheart.” Ryan’s quick reactions and compassion saved this dog's life. Life altering moments cannot always be planned for or laid out perfectly, often they are snap decision that one has to make and not everyone would act as Ryan did in that moment, for that we recognize Ryan for his courage and compassion in saving Sadie’s life. “Animals are my weakness, it was the highlight of my 14-year UPS career”.