Animals

Dog Rescued from Deep Trouble

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A large dog is safe at County Animal Services after he was rescued from a tight, six-foot-deep hole Tuesday in San Ysidro.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection called County Animal Services after someone noticed the animal had fallen into a hole at the construction site for the new pedestrian crossing. No one knew how long the animal had been in there but the dog couldn’t dig his way out or gain enough purchase on the sides to climb out.

Animal Control Officers Lewis Petersen and Joshua Nix responded to the call and found a male pit bull trapped at the bottom of the narrow opening. With no way for the dog to get out, that meant someone had to go into the hole and Officer Petersen did just that.

In the confined quarters, Officer Petersen improvised a harness using a rope. With Officer Nix and CBP officers pulling from above and Officer Petersen lifting the dog from below, the dog was safely rescued up and out of its predicament.

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“Mind you, this dog weighs 89 pounds, so it was no easy feat to lift the dog out.” said County Animal Services Deputy Director Daniel DeSousa.

The pit bull was taken to the County’s animal care facility in Bonita where he was examined by veterinary staff members. They said the dog just needed some food, water and a comfortable bed.

“Thankfully someone saw this animal was in trouble and reported it to us,” said DeSousa. “Otherwise the dog’s fate could have been much worse.”

The pit bull is about 6 years old and didn’t have any identification. He’ll be held for three days to give his owner a chance to come forward. If the dog isn’t claimed, he’ll be available for adoption on Sunday, Feb. 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tracy DeFore is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact