When a dog digs in the garden they often get into trouble with their owner, but in Wiltshire recently a dog got into trouble of a more serious nature. The dog in question, a terrier, dug so enthusiastically that he got entangled in the neighbouring house’s foundations.
The woman who was looking after the dog at the time realised that help was needed, and hurriedly contacted the RSPCA and outlined the problem. Without delay, Inspector Stephanie Daly arrived on the scene with a crew from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service to set to work to free the dog.
“We were called by a woman who was looking after the dog,” inspector Daly explained. “Somehow the terrier, called Beau, had run into a hole in the ground chasing a rat and then carried on digging.
“He managed to dig underneath the foundations of the neighbour’s house and got wedged with his little back legs poking out.
“When we arrived we could hear him growling now and again, and knew we needed to get him out quickly.”
Another RSPCA inspector, Miranda Albinson, joined in the rescue effort, and work continued.
“The fire officers were wonderful and went into the house to drill into the wall so we could reach down into the foundations and get hold of Beau,” inspector Daly added.
“Very carefully we were able to pull him up and out of the hole and, thankfully, he wasn’t hurt.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service for their assistance. We’re always incredibly grateful for any help we receive from them and, in this case, their help ensured we were able to save little Beau.”
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesman, Matthew Brown, said: “As a fire and rescue service, we’re passionate about working together to change and save lives, be they of the two or four legged variety.
“The on-call crew from Royal Wootton Bassett were quick to respond to the call and we’re all really pleased that Beau was rescued quickly and safety, no worse for wear following his little adventure.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).