Dogs and the outdoors always go together! There’s a reason why your dogs love the outdoors: to run freely and smell scents that are new to their noses — something that they can’t do when they’re at your home unless you have a forest or a huge wildlife place at the back of your home! Now imagine taking your dog with you outdoors and bonding together when, all of a sudden, they fall into a hole. This happened to one dog owner from Ocala, Florida, when his dog fell into a cave.
It was 7:05 pm in the evening when officials from the Marion County Fire Rescue in Ocala, Florida, received a call from a distressed dog owner. The caller reported that his dog Bella fell into a 14-foot hole cave and could not get her out.
Immediately, the Marion Oaks Engine #24 was deployed to the reported place, and they arrived at precisely 7:08 pm. They found Bella trapped inside the cave hole. Since the hole was quite deep, they called in for assistance to the Technical Rescue Team at Bellevue Station #18.
The rescuers were able to set up the rig as one of the firefighters was lowered down the hole in an attempt to rescue Bella. As soon as the firefighter reached the ground, he immediately took a glimpse of Bella and held on to her while the rescuers pulled them up.
The firefighters were able to return Bella safely to her owner. Although it was unclear whether the cave was signposted, the dog looks thrilled that she was rescued, as seen from the photos by the fire department. This was another successful rescue involving a dog that netizens congratulated and thanked the rescuers for being an angel to Bella.
RELATED: Dog Receives CPR from Firefighters After an Apartment Blaze
Keeping Your Dog Safe Outdoors
It is in a dog’s nature to be curious about the things that they see outside. They like every moment that they spend with their owners, so it’s important to bring them outdoors, preferably where they can see nature, like wildlife parks or camping sites. However, you must keep in mind the danger it can possibly give.
Here are some tips to help keep your dog safe outdoors.
Take steps to keep off parasites
Dogs may come in contact with parasite carriers, such as mosquitos, that transmit heartworm disease. It may possibly affect the heart and lungs of your dog.
Another is fleas and ticks that are present in woody or high grass areas. One preventive measure is to ensure that your dog’s yearly vaccines are updated to keep them off unwanted diseases.
Use a leash
If you’re a dog owner, you know that outdoors is both exciting and overwhelming for dogs. The sight of big spaces of the outdoor field excites them, so it is important to contain their excitement to prevent accidents. Dog owners can control this by using a leash to prevent them from going to dangerous areas.
Microchip
In today’s world, where technology can reach even your house pets, it is best to take advantage of them. Get your dog a microchip, as it’s an easy and affordable option to prevent losing your dog, especially if they get too excited running outdoors. It can only be scanned by a special device that you can see at the veterinarian’s office, so it’s a safe option.
RELATED: Fishing Crew Rescues 38 Dogs From Drowning in Lake
From The Club
Bella was lucky that she did not sustain any major injuries, such as huge bruises and fractures. This serves as a reminder of the importance of using a leash when your dog is walking outdoors, as danger may come lurking around. I also think that open parks with cave holes must at least put a huge sign to watch out for holes and put guardrails around exposed holes to prevent accidents. As for the fire department team, they did a good job, as always, rescuing the dog; truly, they are heroes!
