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Cave Explorers See Movement In 30-Foot Pit, Rescue Dog Who Was Trapped For Weeks

September 9, 2021

A group of cavers have rescued a dog that spent approximately two weeks trapped inside a cave.

Credit: Harrison County Animal Control

The cavers were exploring Dewey Hickman Nature Preserve in Harrison County, Indiana, when they saw movement in the pit.

They looked down and saw a thin black-and-white dog at the bottom of a 30-foot drop.

Credit: Harrison County Animal Control

The cavers rappelled down and were able to lift the dog out of the cave. The malnourished pup was then taken to Harrison County Animal Control, a shelter in Corydon.

"Based on his condition, we believe he may have been in the cave for up to two weeks," a spokesperson said. "He is very thin, and his collar is very loose, leading us to believe he had been in the cave long enough to drop a significant amount of weight."

The cavers reported there was an empty turtle shell at the bottom of the cave, which may have helped collect rainwater and kept him alive.

Credit: Harrison County Animal Control

On Tuesday, September 7, the dog was reunited with his owner.

Harrison County Animal Control captured video of the happy ending.