SpotOn GPS Fence Saves the Day! Maple the Labrador Escaped a Near-Fatal Accident

January 10, 2025

Chocolate lab in the snow with a Spoton Collar.

No dog owner wants to imagine their beloved pet in danger, but for Jordin from southern Ontario, Canada, that fear became a reality. During what seemed like a typical winter walk on her property, one of her three Labrador retrievers, Maple, had a terrifying brush with disaster when she fell through thin ice. Thanks to SpotOn GPS Fence, Jordin was able to locate and save Maple—a rescue that might not have been possible without this advanced technology.

Here’s the story of how SpotOn helped save Maple’s life and why it’s a must-have for dog owners, especially those with large, tricky properties.

A Close Call on the Creek

Jordin and her three Labradors, Maple, Remi, and Raven, were enjoying a winter walk on their 40 acre farm property. The dogs were unleashed and free to roam as Jordin relied on the GPS tracking feature of their SpotOn collars. It was a cold day with temperatures plunging to -15°C (5°F), and recent warm weather had made the ice on nearby creeks dangerously thin.

Despite Jordin’s efforts to steer clear of the creek, Maple suddenly bolted after what Jordin guessed might have been a rabbit or deer. Before she could stop her, Maple was gone, her barking fading into the distance.

When the barking ceased entirely, Jordin knew something was wrong. She quickly unlocked her phone and opened up the SpotOn app to track Maple’s SpotOn collar and saw her location: right in the middle of the creek.

"I kept calling and calling for her. I even used the whistle feature on the collar to see if she’d come back for that but she just stayed in the same spot on the map. I sort of knew right away."

Understanding the potential danger at hand, Jordin’s heart sank as she realized the likely reason—Maple fallen through the ice.

SpotOn GPS: A Lifesaver in Action

Armed with SpotOn’s tracking data, Jordin was able to follow Maple’s location within the app and saw she ventured onto a neighboring property. When she arrived at the creek, she discovered Maple struggling to pull herself out of the icy water. Although Maple was close to the shore, the slick ice made it impossible for her to gain tracking.

Acting quickly, Jordin used a stick and her boots to break the ice, creating a path for Maple to swim to safety. Jordin shares:

"I guarantee you I wouldn’t have found her so quickly, or at all for that matter, without the collar."

Thanks to the reliable GPS technology in Maple’s SpotOn collar, what could have been a tragic accident had a happy ending.

Why SpotOn Stands Out

For dog owners with properties that include challenging terrain like creeks, wooded areas, or hills, SpotOn GPS Fence offers unparalleled safety and peace of mind. Here are some of the features that make it the go-to choice for pet owners like Jordin:

1. Customizable Boundaries: SpotOn allows you to create virtual fences of any shape or size, unlike competitors that restrict you to a set circular shape, or limit how many virtual fence posts can be used for your boundary. This flexibility is crucial for properties with irregular or tricky layouts.

2. Overlapping Fences: With SpotOn, you can create multiple fences that overlap on the same property. For example, a smaller boundary near the house can keep dogs close during risky weather, while a larger fence provides freedom when conditions are safer.

3. Escape Prevention: SpotOn boasts an impressive 99.3% escape-proof success rate, ensuring that your dog stays within the boundaries you set.

4. Reliable in Extreme Conditions: As Jordin’s story demonstrates, SpotOn collars perform exceptionally well even in freezing temperatures, making them ideal for snowy climates in the northern US or Canada.

5. Real-Time Tracking: The GPS feature provides precise, real-time tracking so you can locate your dog anywhere, even if they leave the virtual fence boundary.

Lessons Learned: Setting Boundaries for Safety

Jordin’s experience underscores the importance of proactive safety measures for dogs, especially during winter. After the incident, she plans to use SpotOn’s boundary-setting feature to create a Keep Out Zone around the creek. This will ensure that her dogs, particularly her pregnant Labrador Raven, stay safely away from hazardous areas.

"I’m so thankful for SpotOn! I honestly can’t think about what would have happened if Maple wasn’t wearing her collar. It may have saved her life."

The Takeaway for Dog Owners

Maple’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of advanced technology like SpotOn GPS Fence for protecting our pets. Whether you have expansive acreage, tricky terrain, or simply want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog’s location, SpotOn provides a level of safety and customization that other products can’t match.

For dog owners facing snowy winters or unpredictable outdoor conditions, SpotOn is more than a GPS tracker—it’s a lifeline. As Jordin’s story shows, it can make all the difference when seconds count.

By investing in a SpotOn GPS Fence, you’re not just choosing a smart collar—you’re prioritizing your dog’s safety and well-being, no matter what challenges your property or the elements throw.

SpotOn: An Investment Worth Prioritizing

By investing in a SpotOn GPS Fence, you’re not just choosing a smart collar—you’re prioritizing your dog’s safety and well-being, no matter what challenges your property or the elements throw.