HURRICANE — Jack Russell Terriers are known for their feats of jumping. But one Jack Russell got herself into a hole Sunday that even she couldn’t escape.
Hurricane Police officers and Animal Control Services were called to the area of Quail Creek Ranch Sunday about 11 a.m. on a report of a dog that had tumbled through a small hole, landing about 6 to 8 feet underground.
Liberty, also known as Libby, had become curious at an opening in the ground while on a walk with family and had fallen in.
Animal Control worked several hours trying to get Libby out with a control pole, but were unsuccessful. Family members and officers started digging out the area around the hole and found several large rocks they were unable to move.
After working diligently and being unable to dislodge the rocks blocking the opening, the Washington County Water Conservancy District, which owns the property, was contacted.
Water district employees brought in a backhoe to clear out some of the larger rocks and make an entry way into the ground where Libby was trapped. It would take a smaller person with a specific skill set to navigate the rescue safely, however.
At this point, Washington County Search and Rescue was called in. They sent Brett Cahoon, a member of their ropes team and an employee of the Water Conservancy District. Cahoon was lowered down into the hole and finally, after working through an angled opening and then down a few feet more, he found Libby waiting to be rescued.
“I could tell they really loved their dog and I thought the area was safe enough that I was willing to go into the hole to see if I could save her,” Cahoon said.
All in all, teams spent over eight hours getting Libby out of the hole.
“The hole was no bigger than a steering wheel,” Libby’s owner Craig Davis said. “It’s remarkable what people are willing to do to help others. We’re so grateful for everyone who literally spent all day rescuing Libby.”
Hurricane Police Sgt. Brandon Buell confirmed in a press release that Libby is fine.
Agencies that responded included the Hurricane City Police Department, Washington County Search and Rescue, Hurricane City Animal Control, Washington County Water Conservancy District and Hurricane Valley Fire District.
“We live in a great community,” Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Darrell Cashin said. “The involved agencies work well together to combine expertise and resources to be as efficient and effective as possible.”
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Very nice to see all these people combine their efforts on behalf of a human. But when it is an animal they are rescuing, it is truly amazing. These folks are a blessing to our communities here in Dixie.
to save a dog I would of done the same thing
If real life fell in a hole you’d be the first one to rescue him. You can’t live without your friend. Don’t lie haha
I would save you from there.. to but I get the booze and chips out first
How does he do it? What’s his inspiration? We should all just take a moment to recognize the comedic genius that is Dumpster.
Awwww you poor widdle thing you still feeling left out. …ho hum
To use the words real life and friend in the same sentence is uncalled for
If these dog owners really “loved” their dog then it would have been leashed and never have fallen in the hole in the first place. Leash your dog for it’s safety.