Some dogs find themselves in trouble they can’t escape on their own. They wander into danger without meaning to and must depend on someone’s kindness to bring them back to safety.
That’s exactly what happened to Zoe, a curious Great Pyrenees puppy from Ramona, California, whose ordinary day turned into a nightmare.
Zoe had been exploring near her family’s home when she slipped into a narrow space between two huge boulders. The gap was so tight she couldn’t move her legs or lift her head.
She whimpered as she desperately tried to move. She waited, scared and alone, hoping someone would hear her.
The Call For Help
When her family realized she was missing, they frantically searched the property, calling her name.
The moment they heard a small cry coming from the rocks, they were shocked to discover that their pup was trapped.
Knowing Zoe couldn’t get out on her own, her family called CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire for help.
Shortly afterward, firefighters arrived and began assessing the scene. They crouched near the rocks, talked to Zoe to keep her calm, while figuring out how to reach her.
“Zoe was visibly distressed. Firefighters quickly began assessing how to safely free her while keeping both her and her family calm,” fire captain Mike Cornette told The Dodo.
The team tried moving the rocks by hand, but they were too heavy to move.
Seeing that the situation was more complex than expected, they brought in the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team for backup.
Working Together To Bring Her Home
When the USAR crew arrived, they brought specialized tools and experience for rescues just like this one.
After studying the situation, they decided to use pneumatic airbags, equipment that can slowly lift heavy objects without sudden movement.
The firefighters slid the flat airbags beneath the rocks, then carefully added air. Everyone watched as the stones began to lift, little by little.
The moment the gap widened enough, one firefighter reached out and called Zoe. The pup managed to free herself with a few small twists and pushes and scramble toward the open air.
As soon as she was out, Zoe ran straight to her family.
She was over the moon to be free. Her tail wagged wildly as they wrapped their arms around her. The firefighters smiled as they witnessed the joyful reunion.
“It was an incredible moment. Our firefighters are often called to emergencies on what can be the worst day of someone’s life, so it’s always rewarding when a call ends on such a positive note. Seeing Zoe reunited with her family brought a lot of smiles that day,” Cornette added.
Zoe’s adventure could have ended very differently, but thanks to quick thinking and teamwork, she made it home safe. That night, the pup felt happy, and she rested peacefully beside her family, soaking up all their love.
She was looking forward to all the happy moments ahead of her.