LINCOLN, Neb. -- A Lincoln, Neb., man lost part of his finger on Tuesday while trying to save his dog from choking on a ball.

Bob Larsen dropped off his chocolate Lab, Nick, at a veterinary clinic before taking himself to Methodist Hospital, Omaha television station KETV reported.

"I had about three minutes to spare for the dog's life," Larsen said. "It was that close."

The veterinarian was able to retrieve the ball, which was lodged deep in Nick's throat, and then resuscitate him. Meanwhile, Larsen was transferred from Methodist to the Nebraska Medical Center.

Rod Van Horn, the veterinary, said the ball was an acceptable size, calling the choking and biting a "freak accident."

Larsen said he was in Omaha playing catch with Nick when the ball got caught in the dog's throat.

"I tried to get the ball out of his mouth one more time, and he came down on my finger," Larsen said. "I pulled my finger out and just lost the tip of it."