On this date in 2005, a Hawley father rescued his 7-year-old son and their dog after the boy fell through thin ice on Lee Lake while trying to lead the dog to safety.

Here is the complete story as it appeared in the paper that day:

By Joe Whetham

HAWLEY, Minn. – Area lakes aren’t yet frozen.

Scott Mies of rural Hawley can attest to that after saving his 7-year-old son, Thomas, and golden retriever from the icy waters of Lee Lake near here Friday.

Thomas fell through thin ice 50 feet from shore while trying to guide his dog to thicker ice after the dog jumped in an area of open water.

Thomas remained in the water 15 minutes before his father rushed from their lakeshore home and pulled him to safety.

“I couldn’t really think at the moment,” Thomas later said that night while sitting b

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