Maryland rescue officials saved the life of a 14-year-old blind and deaf dog trapped in a sinkhole in Frederick on Sunday.
According to a report by the Washington Post, at least 25 members of a recovery team worked for seven hours trying to pry the Lhasa Apso named Samantha out of the hole. Workers from five different departments close to the central Maryland city finally wedged the senior-aged canine out of the sinkhole, which officials said measured to be about two feet wide and eight feet deep.
Samantha reportedly fell into the hole during a walk with her owner. The two were strolling through a grassy patch close to Wainwright Court and Old Farm Road when the dog tumbled into the sinkhole.
NBC's affiliate station in Western Maryland reported that the shocked owner immediately yelled for assistance once Samantha became trapped. Residents in the area heard her cries, and notified law enforcement officials who arrived at the scene shortly thereafter.
To rescue Samantha, who would be 72 years old on a scale of human age, authorities poured warm air into the sinkhole while simultaneously keeping watch of the oxygen flow. Rescue workers also gave the dog food and toys "to try and coax her out," Frederick County Fire department Capt. Kevin Fox told the Post.
Officials then used "flexible piping to coax the dog from the deepest part of the hole," Fox continued. Using a harness, the rescue team members then grabbed hole of Samantha and hoisted her out of the hole.
Veterinarian authorities transferred the dog to a nearby office, where she underwent x-rays, tests and received a bath. She was released and went home later that day.
Public works authorities and engineers are currently monitoring the sinkhole, but said on Monday that there isn't any clear threat to humans or homes in the vicinity.
