Imagine living your daily life unaware that something unexpected is lurking beneath your house. Then, one day, faint barks echo from below your feet, leaving you startled and unsure of what is happening.
That unsettling situation became reality for a man in Longview, Texas. When he uncovered the source of the strange sounds, both he and the rescue teams were stunned.
A Startling Find Beneath the Floor
Within a matter of hours, the worried homeowner found himself in the middle of an unusual emergency. Troubled by ongoing barking coming from beneath his home, he contacted animal control for help. Officer Jumper was the first to arrive.
It did not take long for Jumper to pinpoint the location of the noise. The dog’s cries were coming from a rock-lined well hidden directly underneath the house’s flooring.
Everyone at the scene was confused about how such a structure had gone unnoticed for so long, and even more shocked that a dog had somehow fallen into it. Jumper quickly called for additional support.
Responders from the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center and the Longview Fire Department soon joined the effort.
The teams faced a significant challenge. A dog was trapped inside a well nearly 12 feet deep.
At first, rescuers thought reaching the animal was impossible and even discussed lifting the floorboards to gain access.
Then a safer plan was formed.
Rather than damaging the house, the team created makeshift slings and carefully worked together to lift the dog upward. After close to three hours of steady teamwork, the Basset Hound was safely rescued.
“Thanks to the quick thinking and heroic efforts of our local firefighters and animal control team, the dog was safely brought to the surface, shaken but unharmed,” the shelter shared in a Facebook post.
A Fresh Start For The Lucky Pup
Once out of the well, the dog received a full exam to ensure he was in good health. Amazingly, he had no injuries.
He was named Timmy, inspired by the character from the show “Lassie,” and brought to the shelter. Since no owner came forward, he was made available for adoption.
One firefighter was immediately taken by Timmy’s gentle nature and hoped to adopt him.
“Timmy is doing good and if not reclaimed, one of the firefighters will be adopting him,” Kimberly Brown-Brooks, the rescue coordinator, wrote in the comments.
Unfortunately, the firefighter’s cats were not comfortable with Timmy, so he was unable to keep him. Luckily, the Basset Hound soon met another family who adored him and welcomed him into their home.
Today, Timmy spends his days playing in open yards, enjoying affection, and living a happy life far away from the dangerous well that once trapped him.
The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved, highlighting how much can be accomplished when people work together.
“Thank you to everyone who played a part in this miraculous rescue. It’s a true reminder of the incredible bond between humans and animals, and how a community comes together in times of need,” the Texas shelter concluded.