Every devoted dog owner cherishes their furry friend and strives for their well-being and safety. Yet, controlling our pets’ inquisitive nature can pose challenges that lead them into precarious situations. This was the unfortunate reality for a dog named Rilee, who, one day, couldn’t resist investigating a mine shaft on her family’s property in Placerville, California. She ventured deep into the abandoned shaft and fell down a borehole in an instant.
Upon realizing Rilee was missing, her mom, Kimberlee Adams Norwood Mickelson, was understandably frantic but quickly called for help.
A Delicate Rescue Mission
The firefighters from El Dorado County Fire Protection District quickly responded to Mickelson’s call and rushed to the scene. Once there, they were stunned to discover that Rilee had fallen 60 feet below ground after wandering 200 yards into the shaft. Captain Jacob Poganski of the fire department stated, “Our firefighters have responded to dogs that have fallen down into open mine shafts before, but nothing this extensive or serious,” he told The Dodo.
With urgency at the forefront, they devised a careful and calculated rescue plan. Time was of the essence, and their experience enabled them to execute it effectively. They performed a permit-required confined space entry, lowering a rescuer to retrieve the dog with rope systems, as detailed in a Facebook post about the rescue, which took about an hour and 15 minutes.
“The dog was extremely anxious as the rescuer approached and then became calm and friendly upon realizing there was someone there to help her,” Jacob noted.
Rilee was cooperative when they fitted her with a harness, facilitating her extraction from the shaft. Ultimately, the mission was a success. El Dorado County Fire Protection District reported, “The dog was secured and brought up to the surface without issue.”
“Miracles Do Happen”
Upon her rescue, Rilee expressed her profound gratitude towards the firefighters who saved her life.
“Once the dog emerged from the mine, she happily greeted all the rescuers individually, as if to say, ‘Thank you!’” Poganski recounted. Miraculously, Rilee emerged from the incident with only minor injuries, leading to immense relief from her mother.
“I’m forever grateful for the effort, care, and concern these guys had and for risking their own to save my Rilee!” she expressed in a Facebook post. “Miracles do happen! She’s ALIVE!!!”
The heartfelt gratitude shown by Rilee and the overwhelming joy experienced by her owner reaffirmed for the rescuers why they are passionate about their work. In the face of danger and difficulties, the experience is always worth it, as there’s no greater reward than saving a life.
