Devoted dog owners do everything possible to keep their pups safe, but sometimes a curious spirit leads to danger.
That’s what happened to Rilee, who wandered into an old mine shaft on her family’s property in Placerville, California. In moments, she tumbled down a vertical borehole.
Her mom, Kimberlee Adams Norwood Mickelson, reacted instantly. Despite the shock, she quickly called for help.
A Tense Operation To Save Rilee
The El Dorado County Fire Protection District rushed into action after receiving Mickelson’s urgent call.
When they arrived, they learned Rilee had slipped 60 feet down after roaming about 200 yards into the abandoned shaft.
“Our firefighters have responded to dogs that have fallen down into open mine shafts before, but nothing this extensive or serious,” El Dorado County Fire Protection District captain Jacob Poganski told The Dodo.
The firefighters quickly planned their strategy. The mission would be difficult and dangerous, but their training had prepared them for it.
“Crews performed a permit-required confined space entry and lowered a rescuer to the dog using rope systems,” they wrote in a Facebook post about the rescue that lasted just over an hour.
As the rescuer descended, Rilee was nervous at first, but everything changed once she realized someone had come for her.
“The dog was extremely anxious as the rescuer approached and then was calm and friendly when she realized there was someone there to help her,” Jacob said.
Rilee stayed cooperative as the rescuer secured a harness around her, making the lift far easier.
Thanks to her calmness and the team’s precision, the operation ended successfully.
“The dog was secured and brought up to the surface without issue,” El Dorado County Fire Protection District confirmed proudly.
When Rescue Turns Into A Miracle
When Rilee was finally lifted back to safety, she wasted no time showing her gratitude.
“Once the dog emerged from the mine, she happily greeted all of the rescuers individually, as if to say, ‘Thank you!’” Poganski said.
Even more incredible, she came out of the ordeal with only minor injuries. Her mom, overwhelmed with relief, couldn’t thank the rescuers enough.
“I’m forever grateful for the effort, care, and concern these guys had and for risking their own to save my Rilee!” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Miracles do happen! She’s ALIVE!!!”
For the crew, seeing Rilee safe and her mom overjoyed was the greatest reward of all.Despite the risks and challenges, the outcome was proof of why they dedicate themselves to saving lives.