Archie Bean’s harrowing ordeal left everyone shocked. At just 12 weeks old, this 5-pound Pekingese accidentally slipped through an uncovered vent in his family home in Douglas County, Colorado, becoming trapped for three long hours. Monique, his owner, desperately tried to locate him but had no idea of his exact whereabouts. That’s when she called South Metro Fire Rescue.
3-Hour Agony
Upon Monique’s distress call, first responders quickly arrived. The exceptional teams from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Plumbline Services immediately began the rescue, but things became more complicated than anticipated. Archie had fallen through a 3-story hole directly into the ductwork. “I took the other dogs to go out, and he jumped off my son’s bed right into this hole. My son saw him and tried to get to him, but there were a lot of nails and debris,” Monique recounted in the rescue video released by SMFR.
All the owners and rescuers could hear was Archie’s desperate whimpering echoing through the walls. “Every time I hear him cry, it sounds like he’s right next to me, which made it hard to pinpoint his location,” his owner shared.
The rescuers navigated through the ductwork using a small camera to find the frightened puppy, cutting several holes in the walls for easier access. Hours into the search, the team nearly lost hope until they finally spotted two terrified eyes staring back at them through the camera, realizing he was deep inside the basement’s HVAC system.
Finally Safe And Reunited With His Family
The team quickly rushed to the basement and carefully lifted Archie from the duct. One rescuer gently cradled him in his arms and handed him over to his tearful momma. Although Archie looked confused and shaken, he miraculously had no cuts or scratches. “That is a prayer answered… He went from the third floor down to the basement and he doesn’t have a cut on him,” Monique told SMFR.
Following their heartfelt reunion, Archie’s owner expressed gratitude to the dedicated team of rescuers who worked tirelessly to save her beloved dog. Despite the complexity of the rescue, it was their compassion and commitment that ultimately led to a joyful outcome!
“As Archie happily reunites with his grateful owners, the community celebrates a tale of compassion and resilience in the face of adversity,” SMFR shared in a Facebook statement.
Archie is now safe with his family, nestled next to his dog siblings. Despite his frightening adventure, he will continue to share a joyful life with his loved ones in Colorado and, hopefully, stay out of trouble this time!
