In June of 2019, Joe Dunn, an enthusiastic explorer and hiker, set out on one of his many adventures in the Florida wilderness.
While trekking through the Withlacoochee State Forest, he was surprised to hear faint howling echoes. As he ventured deeper, those echoes grew louder and transformed into barking.
Dunn immediately sprinted toward the sound’s origin. He reached a cave entrance and peered down.
His heart sank when he saw a frightened pup stranded at the bottom of the twenty-foot-deep pit.
The Dog Is Happy To See A Friendly Face
The moment the dog spotted him, her tail began to wag. Her eyes shone with hope that she might soon escape that dark, frightening place.
Dunn lacked the proper rescue gear. He wedged a fallen tree stump at an angle and slid it into the cave, hoping she could climb up, but it wasn’t enough.
He emptied all the food from his backpack and tossed it down for her. Reluctantly, he left her, knowing a storm was approaching and having no cell service to call for help.
He returned home determined to fetch proper equipment the next morning.
A Rescue Mission
Back at home, he posted an urgent plea on Facebook. Friends and fellow hikers eagerly volunteered to join the rescue.
At dawn, the team arrived in the forest armed with ropes and gear. As they neared the cave, the barking reassured them that she was still alive.
Seeing them arrive made the dog trust they would save her; her tail never stopped wagging as she watched from below.
The volunteers spoke softly, assuring her everything would be okay. They secured ropes to nearby trees, and one member rappelled down to reach her.
The moment he touched down, the pup bolted into his arms and licked his face. She understood these strangers had risked much to free her.
He fitted a harness around her, and the rest of the team hauled her up.
Happy To Be Saved
Chills ran through her as her shaking legs carried her onto solid ground. Relief washed over her, and gratitude sparkled in her eyes as she gazed at her rescuers, unable to contain her joy.
“The dog was so happy. She just rolled around on the grass, wanting her belly rubbed. She was the happiest animal I’ve ever seen,” Dunn said.
Everyone breathed easier when they confirmed she had no injuries. Noting how underweight she was, they realized she must have spent weeks stranded in that cave near Tampa.
They offered her food, and she devoured it eagerly.
Fortunately, her collar bore an ID tag with her owner’s name and phone number. The team immediately called her dad.
He was overwhelmed with relief and happiness. She had been missing for three weeks, and he had nearly lost hope of ever finding his beloved Sally.
Reunion With Her Dad
Later that day, Sally and her dad were joyfully reunited. Upon seeing him, she raced into his embrace and lavished him with kisses. Their happiness was unmistakable.
After thanking Dunn and the volunteers, her dad took her home. Sally couldn’t believe her luck. She was finally back with her loving family.
We’re overjoyed that Sally was rescued and reunited with her forever home, and our deepest thanks go to Joe Dunn and the volunteer team, the true heroes.