Plymouth Firefighters Rescue Yorkshire Terrier From Animal Burrow

PLYMOUTH, MA — Plymouth firefighters helped rescue a dog who accidentally fell down a hole on the owner's property on Thursday, said the department in a news release.

According to Chief G. Edward Bradley, crews from the West Plymouth Station responded to a home on Knight's Point Road around 8:45 p.m. after receiving a report of a trapped dog. Upon arrival, firefighters found that a Yorkshire Terrier was trapped in an animal burrow below the deck and concrete stairs of the home.

Bradley said the stairs were set into the side of a hill and the burrow had a three to four-foot tunnel entrance that led to a large cavity. Firefighters opened up the tunnel by digging into the hill and used a broom handle to open the rest of the way up before hitting a concrete wall on the other side.

Because it was getting dark, firefighters didn't want to keep digging out of fear of injuring the dog. The owner put treats at the opening of the burrow to try to lure the dog out, but was unsuccessful.

Fire officials and Plymouth Animal Control returned Friday morning around 10 a.m. and were able to dig further and pull the dog out.

“We’re glad this rescue had a happy ending and the dog was returned safely to its owners,” said Bradley in a statement.

Firefighters said the dog, named Brownie, was taken to the vet as a precaution and is reportedly doing well.