A Really Close Call

[Wetdog]

I took Dixie and Riga out for a walk this evening. Everything seemed completely normal. The area we went to is right next door---there is a large area(at least 10 acres) of fields and woods, much of it overgrown with huge blackberry stands(maybe 10 to 12 ft high, WAY over my head).

When it was time to go, Dixie was right there---but no Riga. Very unusual. Riga usually ranges out, but comes and checks in more often than Dixie. So, I whistled. No Riga. Whistle and clap. No Riga. Wait a few minutes, whistle again, clap, no Riga---REALLY unusual. She's usually never more than 30 seconds away. Then I heard her bark. I couldn't tell where it came from. Somewhere in the thick brush.

I told Dixie to go get Riga. She led me to the edge of the heavy brush where the brambles get really thick. Dixie didnt go in. So I called, and Riga barked and whined. At least now, I could tell what direction she was from me.

So I got a big heavy stick and started beating a path through the blackberries. I kept calling and she kept answering. About 20 or 30 yards in----Finally, I found her. She had fallen down a hole between some huge boulders. She must have been at least 9 or 10 feet down, she appeared to be standing on her hind legs and was at least three feet from the top.

I climbed down into the hole. She did not appear to be injured. But there was no way that I could lift her up to the top of the boulder while down in the hole---I couldn't get enough leverage to lift her. I took off my belt and put it under her shoulders to try to lift her that way----the belt broke.

All I could do was leave her there and try to find some help to get her out. So, I went over to a gas station/convenience store that I go to very often. Sam, one of the guys that works there pumping gas came back with me. I went back down the hole----and between me pushing and Sam pulling, we got her out.

We are back now---and Riga got a few bites to eat, and is laying in her corner behind my chair as if nothing unusual happened at all. I on the other hand was a muddy, ripped up mess(from all the stickers on the blackberries, I think I'll just throw those jeans away, LOL, they won't stay up without a belt anyway).

Thanks Sam.

[flyinghayden]

Wow, glad everything turned out OK. Brings back memories of losing Heidi.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Oh WOW Fred! I am so glad this came out okay. And thank Sam again for his help.

I remember about a year ago I was out walking Kayos and Havoc at Hat Rock State Park near Umatilla. Havoc was wearing a long line and went down to the edge of the Columbia and then could not get back up, the bank kept sliding out from under him. The long line got tangled too. I had to cut the line and drag him up and almost did not get him up. I was in the middle of nowhere and he was starting to panic.

Terrifying.

Good Riga for answering you so you could find her.

[Amaruq]

I am glad things worked out well and she is OK!!

[Cathygirl]

That must have been so scary! I am so glad it all turned out okay.

[Qyn]

Originally Posted By: Cathywith3dogsThat must have been so scary! I am so glad it all turned out okay.

Me too!

[Mandalay]

Oh my gosh, poor Riga! She most likely thought it was all in fun and what a great game to be down in that hole!

I am so glad that Sam came to help you get her out.

[KohleePiper]

Oh poor thing! Glad everything turned out ok!!

[Branca's Mom]

Very scary!! Glad you are both ok!!!

[Catu]

Poor Riga!

But think this is one of those things that will make you laugh... someday.

In my SAR group we used to do a lot of animal rescues, we even rescued 3 four weeks old puppies that had fallen 12 meters into a well completely harmless.