A man of Indian descent in New Jersey saved a 20-month-old dog stuck on the dangerous, icy surface of Lake Parsippany.

A video has emerged showing the man’s heroic efforts to help the stranded dog get home safely after being stuck in the frozen lake for almost an entire day. The incident took place on Christmas Eve when Brooklyn the dog escaped from his dog sitter and ventured into the lake. Despite multiple attempts by residents and local authorities, the dog refused to leave the dangerous thin ice, ABC7 reports.

A police officer was later able to locate the Sheepadoodle on the frozen lake with a drone. The snow-covered surface of Lake Parsippany was marked with a trail of paw prints left by the frightened dog.

Kishan Patel, a local resident who lives by the lake, decided to help the police after realizing he had a drone. As a dog owner himself, Patel was particularly moved by the situation. “Just because I can imagine what the owner has to go through,” Patel shared with ABC7.

Using his drone, Patel attempted to guide Brooklyn back to safety with pieces of chicken. This method was almost successful, bringing the dog within 20-30 feet of shore.

However, Brooklyn hesitated as soon as he saw the people waiting nearby. Patel explained: “Police officers were here all night, until 11:30 at night on Christmas Eve.”

As night fell, Patel’s drone proved crucial in locating Brooklyn on the frozen lake. Police officers then used weights to assess the thickness of the ice before an officer carefully approached the dog. The officer got close enough to startle Brooklyn, sending her running for shore. The plan worked and the frightened dog ran to safety and eventually took refuge on a nearby porch, where she was found.

After learning that Brooklyn was safe and well, Patel expressed his relief, saying, “I would be heartbroken.”

Reflecting on the situation, he added, “Of all the drones that may or may not be flying around New Jersey these days, I’m glad I got to use them for something useful.”

Patel concluded: “I feel even happier that the dog is safe and back home.”