NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- He's one Lucky dog. A Rottweiler mix named Rover _ stranded on an ice floe on the Passaic River _ has been adopted by a firefighter who rowed to his rescue last week.
Kearny Fire Capt. Tom McDermott was expected to pick up the dog on Thursday, according to the Associated Humane Societies of Newark. The firefighter said he planned to change Rover's name to Lucky.
The firefighter got in a rowboat last Wednesday with George Smith, a Humane Societies manager, and the pair paddled for hours in the icy river to rescue the dog.
``When I saw him out there on that ice floe, he was helpless and all by himself,'' McDermott said. ``At that point I said if somebody doesn't claim him, I would be interested. I knew I wanted him.''
The dog belonged to an elderly couple who have since said they are unable to care for the animal, and surrendered the dog to the animal agency.
McDermott brought his two chocolate Labrador retrievers _ Abigail and Smokey _ to the shelter Monday to get acquainted.
``They seemed to get along,'' McDermott said. ``I'm sure it's going to work.''
