Crews Spend 2 Hours Rescuing Yellow Lab From 12-Foot Sinkhole that Opened in Dog’s Backyard

A yellow Labrador retriever named Tessie experienced a dramatic rescue after she fell into a 12-foot sinkhole in her backyard in Falmouth, Massachusetts. The incident occurred when Tessie’s owner, David Velesig, became concerned after Tessie failed to return indoors following playtime with the family’s other dog, Taco.

Velesig’s initial alarm bells rang when Taco began to bark near a fence. Upon investigating the commotion, Velesig discovered a small opening in the ground obscured by leaves, and at the bottom of the hole was Tessie. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, he immediately dialled 999 for assistance, worried that he might endanger himself if he attempted to rescue Tessie on his own.

Emergency crews responded promptly and assessed the scene, determining that entering the sinkhole to retrieve Tessie was too risky for firefighters. The depth of the hole posed a significant risk of collapse, leading to the involvement of the Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team, who possess the specialised skills necessary for such difficult rescues.

During the rescue operation, which lasted over two hours, responders worked diligently to stabilise the area around the sinkhole. They constructed a safe environment before attempting to extract Tessie. Using a ladder truck, a harness was carefully lowered to the frightened dog. Velesig said the rescue was a long process, but ultimately, Tessie was hoisted safely to the surface.

Reflecting on the response from the emergency teams, Velesig expressed immense gratitude for their efforts. He noted how an initial team of two responders quickly grew into a coordinated effort involving several personnel. “Two people became four people became eight people, became two dozen people,” he recounted, praising the teamwork that characterised the day.

Once Tessie was back on solid ground, she was rewarded for her ordeal with some well-deserved pepperoni treats. Velesig also reported that Tessie emerged unscathed, physically unharmed from her unexpected adventure. Meanwhile, as the excitement of Tessie’s rescue settled, the crews proceeded to fill in the sinkhole, which was believed to have formed due to hidden water drainage issues in the area.

Falmouth Fire/Rescue shared the uplifting news of Tessie’s safety on social media, highlighting the importance of seeking professional help in emergencies. “We are grateful that her owner called 911 immediately rather than attempting a dangerous solo rescue,” they emphasised, echoing Velesig’s sentiment about the critical role of the emergency services.

Tessie’s incident has garnered attention not only due to the dramatic circumstances but also as a reminder of the potential risks lurking in our surroundings. The incident serves as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the emergency responders who work tirelessly to safeguard both people and pets in their communities.

In the aftermath of the rescue, Tessie has returned home to rejoin her family, her ordeal turning into a remarkable story of survival and teamwork. The joyous reunion highlights the bond between pets and their owners, and the lengths one will go to ensure their safety.