A Silver Spring, Maryland, resident grew concerned over a dog who seemed to be stuck in heavy snow in someone’s yard. The poor pooch appeared to be immobilized in the snow, with just his head sticking out. The resident contacted the Montgomery County Animal Services Division to investigate the dog’s dreadful predicament.

An officer arrived to help free the frigid Fido. But the officer quickly realized that the dog was not a dog at all. It was actually a foil balloon with the face of a white dog on it. The balloon had apparently become lodged in the snow, and made for a fairly realistic visage of a dog in danger.

I’m heartened by the neighbor’s concern. Too many people look the other way when they see animals in distress. But I think perhaps an eye exam might be in order for this kindly, nearsighed soul.