Loving dog owners will do anything to keep their pups safe and happy, but even the most devoted guardians can’t always stop a curious dog from getting into unexpected mischief.
That’s exactly what happened to a dog named Rilee, who couldn’t resist the urge to explore an old mine shaft on her family’s property in Placerville, California. In a matter of moments, she had ventured deep inside and accidentally fallen down a vertical borehole.
Her mom, Kimberlee Adams Norwood Mickelson, was quick to act. Despite being in shock, she immediately called for help.
A High-Stakes Rescue Operation
As soon as the El Dorado County Fire Protection District received Mickelson’s distress call, their team sprang into action and rushed to the scene in Placerville.
Upon arrival, the firefighters were stunned to learn that Rilee had fallen 60 feet straight down after wandering roughly 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.
With no time to waste, the crew began formulating a rescue strategy. They knew the operation would be delicate and risky, but their training and experience prepared them well.
“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 into the shaft, Rilee was understandably anxious—but her demeanor changed as soon as she realized help had arrived.
“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.
She remained calm and cooperative as the rescuer secured a harness around her body, making the extraction process much smoother.
Thanks to her trust and the crew’s coordination, the mission ended in success.
“The dog was secured and brought up to the surface without issue,” El Dorado County Fire Protection District confirmed proudly.
When Miracles Become Real
When Rilee was finally lifted back to safety, she didn’t hesitate to show her appreciation to the people who saved her life.
“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 remarkable, Rilee escaped the terrifying 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 firefighters, Rilee’s gratitude and Mickelson’s joy were powerful reminders of why they do what they do.Even with all the danger and effort involved, they know there’s no greater reward than saving a life and this rescue was proof of just that.