A Florida pet owner faced every dog owner’s worst nightmare when she discovered her beloved border collie trapped inside a 10-foot sinkhole. The frightening ordeal prompted a desperate rescue effort, as firefighters and local workers spent over two hours working tirelessly to free the pup.
Thankfully, their hard work paid off, and the lucky dog was reunited with its owner.
Crews Work Over 2 Hours to Rescue Pup
According to Fox 13, in Chiefland, Florida, a rescue mission was underway in the early morning of Friday, October 16, when Chiefland Fire received a call at 5:55 a.m. about a dog trapped inside a sinkhole. The sinkhole was located near 8138 NW 77th Pl. and was 10 feet deep, making it incredibly challenging for the dog, a border collie, to escape on her own.
Firefighters and other first responders arrived at the scene, where they also phoned a technical rescue specialist for advice on how to safely get the dog out of the sinkhole. Jones Masonry, a local concrete and masonry contractor based in Chiefland, also joined the rescue efforts by providing a mini excavator to help dig into the sinkhole.
Why the Rescue Mission Ended Up Being Over 2 Hours Long
The rescue proved more challenging than first responders initially anticipated. According to Fox 13, heavy limestone surrounding the sinkhole made it difficult for the excavator to dig deeper, forcing crews to work by hand. Using shovels, they chipped away at the rock around the sinkhole to reach the trapped dog.
The border collie may have realized that the first responders were there to help, as the report stated that she began jumping toward the front of the pit. When her owner called her by name, she was able to grab her and pull her out on her own.
A video clip shared by NBC News, showed the border collie nearly out of the sinkhole after crews worked hard to free her. Photos also showed the moments she got out and her owner tightly hugging her after she was saved.
The dog suffered no injuries and was even running around the area. She was out of the sinkhole by 8:19 a.m.
Although it’s unclear what caused the 10-foot sinkhole to form, the incident serves as a reminder for pet owners to keep a close eye on their furry friends, whose natural curiosity can sometimes lead them to unexpected situations.
Florida Border Collie Pulled From a 10-Foot Sinkhole After a 2.5-Hour Dig