They say it takes a village to keep a pet safe – and that couldn’t be more true!
For one O’ahu family, what began as a routine Wednesday walk with their young Pit Bull, Kila, quickly turned into something unforgettable. The lively pup was enjoying her stroll when she suddenly spotted movement in the distance.
It turned out to be a chicken, and before anyone could react, the curious Pittie yanked the leash out of her owner’s hands and bolted after it. What the family didn’t realize was that Kila’s playful chase would soon spark a dramatic hours-long rescue.
An Ordinary Walk Turns Into A Crisis
As she chased the bird, Kila dashed several yards ahead and disappeared into an open storm culvert in Waianae, Hawaii. In just moments, what should have been a peaceful evening walk spiraled into a frightening ordeal.
“Neither of them expected that a harrowing rescue would occur just four hours later,” Hawaiian Humane Society wrote on their social media.
Her owners tried calling to her, hoping she would come back, but she had already ventured far inside. The farther she went, the tighter the space became until she could no longer move forward—or turn back.
“Kila followed the chicken for several yards, not realizing that the culvert got narrower and narrower the further she went. That’s when she got stuck,” HHS explained.
Panic set in for the family, and they quickly dialed 9-1-1. Within minutes, both the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Field Services team and the Honolulu Fire Department were on the scene, prepared to help. What followed was a four-hour rescue effort.
Digging for A Life
At first, rescuers tried coaxing Kila out, but it became obvious she couldn’t escape on her own. That’s when the firefighters came up with a new plan—digging their way to her.
Their approach was straightforward but exhausting: dig until they reached the pipe, then carefully cut through to free the frightened dog. Hours of digging and close monitoring followed as the team worked relentlessly. Finally, their determination paid off—Kila was safe!
The Hawaiian Humane Society shared the rescue online, and it quickly went viral.
“Mahalo to the incredible team at Honolulu Fire Department Waiʻanae Fire Station 26 for working tirelessly to rescue Kila,” HHS wrote.
News of the rescue spread across the country, melting hearts everywhere. People flooded social media with words of gratitude.
“Huge Mahalo to those with such huge hearts! Thanks for your care and hard work in saving lives of all kinds,” one person commented.
“Thank you for saving Kila! Grateful for your hard work and diligence for this and all you rescue,” another added.
When it was all over, Kila was reunited with her family, safe and sound, with no injuries. Despite the terrifying ordeal, she acted as if nothing had happened, wagging her tail joyfully as soon as she was back in her owners’ arms.
Kila’s story is a reminder of the power of compassion and community. Thanks to her devoted rescuers, she now has many more adventures ahead—though hopefully this time, she’ll stay on leash!
What began as a simple walk turned into an unforgettable rescue mission, but it ended in the best possible way: with Kila safe at home, surrounded by love.