Joe Dunn, an avid explorer and hiker, embarked on another adventure in the Florida wilderness, hiking through the Withlacoochee State Forest when he heard unsettling howling sounds that intensified into barking as he ventured deeper into the forest. Drawn to the noise, Dunn quickly approached a cave and peered down, finding a frightened puppy stranded at the bottom of the 20-foot-deep cave.
The Dog Is Happy To See A Friendly Face
Upon noticing him, the dog began wagging her tail, her heart filling with hope of escaping the dark cave. Unfortunately, Dunn lacked the necessary equipment to rescue her. He angled a tree stump and slid it down into the cave, hoping the dog could climb out, but she couldn’t manage it. He then gave all the food from his backpack to the pup, yet knowing he had to leave because a storm was approaching and lacking cell reception, he returned home with the determination to come back with better equipment the next day.
A Rescue Mission
The next morning, Dunn shared a call for assistance on Facebook, and his friends enthusiastically joined him in the rescue mission, bringing ropes and necessary gear to the forest. While walking towards the cave, they heard the dog barking, which reassured them of her well-being. The pup was ecstatic to see them, tails wagging in joyful anticipation of her rescue.
Engaging with her, the volunteers assured the dog that everything was going to be alright. They secured ropes to the trees, and as one of them rappelled down into the cave to retrieve her, the pup rushed into his arms, licking his face with uncontainable joy, knowing they had worked hard to save her. The volunteer then quickly fitted her with a harness while the group began to pull her up.
Happy To Be Saved
After being pulled from the cave, the dog trembled with fear, but relief washed over her as she met the ground. Her eyes sparkled with gratitude as she looked at her rescuers, overwhelmed with joy. Dunn later remarked,
“The dog was so happy. She just rolled around on the grass, wanting her belly rubbed. She was the happiest animal I’ve ever seen,” Dunn said.
They were thrilled to discover that the puppy was unharmed, although underweight, suggesting she had been stranded in the cave for quite some time. After receiving food, she devoured it quickly, showing her hunger. Fortunately, she wore a collar with her owner’s name and phone number, leading the rescuers to contact her worried dad, who was overjoyed to learn of her safe return after three long weeks.
Reunion With Her Dad
That very day, the pooch joyfully reunited with her dad, running into his arms and showering him with licks, both of them basking in the happiness of being together again. After expressing his gratitude to Dunn and the team of volunteers, Sally’s dad took her home, where she was overjoyed to be back with her loving family. We are delighted that Sally was rescued and reunited with her forever family, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe Dunn and the dedicated volunteers, true heroes in this story.
