On July 7, a couple of cavers found and rescued a dog in the town of Narrows in Giles County, Virginia. The canine was trapped inside the cave and was about 40 to 50 feet underground when they found her. Fortunately, the rescue mission was successful, and the pup is happily recuperating at an animal shelter.
Dog miraculously survives about 50-feet fall into Giant Caverns, safely rescued by cavers
On Sunday, cavers Jesse Rochette and Dave Jackson were in for a surprise, as they didn’t expect to find and rescue a dog while exploring the Giant Caverns. They were with a local couple, and the first member of their team to enter the cave spotted the pup. Moreover, the team member replied in the affirmative when asked if the canine was alive.
The pup was about 40 to 50 feet deep in the western Virginia cave. As an ardent dog lover, Rochette repelled down the cave entrance, equipped with a piece of salami. The canine was grateful for the food and drank some water the cavers provided. After Rochette noticed she was shivering, they wrapped her with whatever they could find to keep her warm.
While Jackson had received rescue training and participated in rescue missions, this was his first time saving an animal. The cavers’ improvisation ensured the dog was safely rescued. After about three hours, the pup was finally out of her predicament. As Rochette told AP News, the canine appreciated the fresh air, “…she instantly perked up…she lifted her head up and started sniffing the air.”
Moreover, the caver noted that the inside of the cave was strewn with animal skeletons, so he was glad his team could rescue the dog in time. The rescuers named her SPAR-C, later changed to Sparsy by the shelter where she is currently staying.
Fortunately, Giles County Animal Shelter didn’t report any broken bones, and the pup is already out and about. The shelter is trying its best to find her owner. If it can’t, the organization stated she would soon be ready for a new forever home.
