UPDATE: Dog saved from drowning in Black River New Year's Eve reunited with owner

LORAIN, Ohio - A 3-year-old German Shepherd/Akita mix, saved by Elyria firefighters from drowning on New Year's Eve in the Black River, was reunited with his owner Wednesday.

An official with the Lorain Dog Kennel said Mark Stevens, the dog's owner, came to pick up the pooch after seeing the story on news stations.

Shrek, the dog, was heard by a neighbor crying and barking in the river. The neighbor called police and rescue crews responded to the 700 block of East Ave. within five minutes.

There, Shrek was found hanging onto a chunk of ice, trying to avoid getting swept under water. Firefighters said when they rescued him by inflatable boat, he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia.

Somehow Shrek escaped his fenced-in yard, on the other side of the water, and wandered toward the river. Once at the water, Shrek's curiosity took him in it, where he stepped on thin ice that broke and left him hanging on for dear life.

When Stevens came to pick up the pup and bring him back home, kennel officials said Shrek went crazy, extremely happy to see his owner.

The pooch was given shots and antibiotics after the incident and Stevens had to pay $59 to get Shrek back.

The water was between 20-30 degrees when Shrek was rescued. He doesn't have a microchip but is licensed.

The Lorain Dog Kennel reminds pet owners that microchip implantation only costs between $29 to $45 and helps track down a pet's owner more quickly.