On Thursday September 22, personnel from the MAVFC were called to assist in rescuing a small dog that was trapped underground. "Lady", a small dachshund chased a groundhog into a hole near her home on North Main Street at approximately 0830 hours (8:30 am). The owners tried for hours to get her out. Around 1430 hours (2:30 pm), Humane Society Officer Ed Smith arrived at the scene to assist. He dug out the area as much as he could, but realized that the barking had stopped. Personnel from the MAVFC offered to assist as the home was across the street from the fire station. Air quality in the hole was checked and found to be safe for the dog, then the fire company personnel shored up the crumbling walls of the hole to allow for further work and excavation. A backhoe and "snake camera" were requested to assist with the rescue. While waiting for this equipment, further digging took place and Officer Smith could see a patch of fur using a selfie stick and his camera phone. Officer Smith deployed his grab stick and was able to grab a leg. At that time a most welcome sound was heard...a growl!. Officer Smith pulled Lady from the hole dirty, with some cuts on her nose and a swollen face, but otherwise alive and well. After nearly 9 hours underground, Lady was back at home with her family after a trip to the vet to be checked over.

This rescue exemplifies the benefits of teamwork. Officer Smith with his diligence to assist this animal in distress, plus the help of the personnel of the fire company with tools, equipment and manpower to complete the task safely, resulted in a successful rescue of this family's beloved pet. No emergency equipment was out of service while this rescue was performed in case it was needed for other incidents.