A group of cave explorers in Missouri have set out on a journey to traverse these incredible formations. They had to squeeze through tight spaces and climb up slippery rocks. The journey was difficult for experienced riders, so they were shocked to see a dog who had also taken part in a similar adventure. However, the puppy did not do well.
The explorers said the dog was in rough shape, so they worked together to get her out of the cave and to safety. To their surprise, they learned that the scared dog had somehow survived in that cave for about two months!
Unexpected dog in the cave
The rescue mission took place in the Berome Moore Cave in Perry County, Missouri. It is listed as one of the longest caves in the United States at 22 miles long. The explorers were deep in the cave when they discovered an old dog named Abby.
Cave with flowing water with fish and crustaceans living inside; however, most of the cave is shrouded in darkness. So rescuers don’t know how the dog got down there or how she survived alone.
Rick Haley and Gerry Keene, two men in the caving team, rescued the dog from the cave. Haley is trained in cave rescue and he was there to help with the tank diving to make sure everything went smoothly with the gear. However, he never expected his cave rescue skills to be used to save a dog.
Abby is very cooperative, but she is nervous and not in good shape. So Haley and Keene put her in a duffel bag with the tip sticking out. They carried her like that for 500 feet or more during a “tough, tight climb.” Their efforts may have saved Abby’s life.
Search the owner door by door
When everyone got out of the cave safely, rescuers searched for Abby’s owner. With the help of Assistant Fire Police Robert Cahoon of Biehle, they went door-to-door, asking if anyone recognized the dog. When they finally ran into Abby’s family, they were shocked.
According to Abby’s owners, she had gone missing two months earlier and since no one had seen her, they thought they would never see her again. Abby is in dire need of vet care, but she seems happy to be back where she belongs.
RELATED: 11 Tips To Help You Find Your Lost Dog Faster
Haley posted photos of the rescue on Facebook, calling it “a sensational survival story”. Sadly, millions of pets go missing each year, so it’s important to take extra precautions to make sure they get home safely.
Featured pictures: Facebook
