Five puppies are now safe and sound after spending days at the bottom of a 65-foot dry well in Washington Parish. Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson said responders were forced to get creative in order to save the five pitbull mix puppies.
“Because the opening to the well was very narrow, so they couldn’t use much equipment so they had to think and believe it this took several days, from the 18th to the 20th, they were out in the hot sun trying to figure out what would work,” said Dorson.
Dorson said they tied leashes together to form a type of webbing, enticed puppies with food into the webbing, and pulled them to safety.
In his 33 years in the field, Dorson said he’s never seen such an operation. Overall Dorson said the puppies are in great shape considering and crews kept them fed and watered throughout the rescue.
“They’re at the vet clinic and they’re fairly healthy, it’s a miracle all of it’s a miracle. How the property owner even heard them, realized it, we have no idea,” said Dorson.
The puppies were transported to Mandeville Animal Hospital where they are being treated for parasites and minor skin issues.
Dorson said the rescue is reminiscent of when several children were tapped in a cave. He’s very relieved the story has a happy ending and grateful for all the local first responders who assisted their crew and provided support, like the Franklinton Fire Department and Washington Parish Sherriff’s Office.
“If you go to our Facebook page, Humane Society of Louisiana, you’ll actually see a video taken in real-time of them lifting up one of the puppies, extraordinary,” said Dorson.
All five puppies and their mother who stayed with responders during the three-day rescue once cleared will be transported to a shelter and put up for adoption.
Humane Society of Louisiana Facebook Page
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