Emergency rescue teams from multiple agencies, including the Chula Vista Fire Department and San Diego Humane Society, freed a dog Wednesday afternoon after it spent several hours at the bottom of what is being described as an unsupported well.
According to an NBC7 San Diego report, the dog, a German shepherd named Indy, is a veteran of an Arizona sheriff’s department that is retired from service.
The NBC7 San Diego report said firefighters first attempted to used a hook-and-ladder truck and drop a rope to lasso Indy, but that approach proved unsuccessful. Another attempt, this time using a rope and hook to snag the dog’s collar, ultimately brought the dog to safety just after nightfall.
Indy did not seem to be injured, and was immediately transported to a veterinarian to be evaluated.
The incident began sometime before 4 p.m. Wednesday, which is when the Chula Vista Fire Department announced the rescue effort in a Tweet.
According to SDHS, the well is 40- to 50-feet deep and only about 3-feet wide — making the rescue complicated and dangerous. The NBC7 San Diego story said the opening was covered with grass and vines, and the dog slipped in when investigating it.
In the video posted to the CVFD Twitter account, Urban Search & Rescue personnel and other first responders can be seen at the location on Vista Drive near Bonita Glen Drive setting up in an open space.
According to SDHS, its Emergency Response Team also responded, providing rescue personnel to assist with efforts to recover the German shepherd.
–This story was updated at 7:50 p.m. Feb. 1, 2023.