Joe Dunn, an avid adventurer and trekker, embarked on one of his numerous trekking escapades in the Floridian wilderness.
While he was traversing the Withlacoochee State Forest, he unexpectedly heard some howls. As he ventured further into the woods, the sounds intensified, transforming into barking.
Dunn swiftly dashed towards the origin of the barking. Approaching a cave, he peered inside. He felt disheartened to discover a terrified pup stranded at the base of the 20-foot-deep cave.
The Dog Is Elated To See A Familiar Face
The moment the dog saw him, she began wagging her tail. Her heart sparkled with optimism that she would soon escape the dim and frightening environment.
Dunn lacked the essential tools to successfully rescue the dog. He positioned a tree stump and slid it down into the cave. He hoped the dog could ascend using that, but regrettably, she was unable to do so.
He emptied all the provisions in his backpack and tossed them to the pup. Dunn did not wish to abandon her, yet he had no choice as a storm approached. With no mobile service, he was unable to call for assistance.
He returned home, resolute to come back the following day with the necessary gear to save the dog.
A Mission to Save
Upon reaching home, he sent out a request for assistance on Facebook. His companions and fellow adventurers were eager to join in the dog’s rescue effort.
The following morning, the group trekked to the forest, equipped with ropes and the necessary tools.
As they proceeded toward the cave, they heard barking. They felt relieved knowing the dog was alright.
The dog was thrilled to see that they cared for her, and she genuinely believed she would be rescued. Her tail kept wagging as she observed them from the cave.
The volunteers reassured her, telling her that everything would be okay. They secured the ropes to the trees, and one of them descended into the cave to retrieve the dog.
Once he reached the cave floor, the pup rushed into his arms, licking him. She was overjoyed, aware that these kind individuals had worked tirelessly to save her.
The volunteer swiftly placed a harness around the pup, while the rest of the group began pulling her out.
Overjoyed To Be Rescued
She was extremely frightened, her legs trembling. But once she reached solid ground, she felt an immense sense of relief. Her eyes radiated gratitude as she gazed at her rescuers. She could hardly contain her joy.
“The dog was so delighted. She rolled around on the grass, wanting someone to scratch her belly. She was the happiest animal I’ve ever witnessed,” Dunn stated.
They were elated to confirm the pup was uninjured and well. Noticing that she was undernourished, her saviors deduced that the pup must have been trapped in the cave within the Withlacoochee State Forest, near Tampa, for quite some time.
Her rescuers offered her food, which she devoured eagerly.
Fortunately, the pup wore a collar equipped with a tag displaying her name and her owner’s contact information. The rescuers promptly reached out to her father.
He felt relieved and ecstatic that his cherished dog had been found. He had been extremely worried about her. She had been missing for three weeks. Her dad was beginning to lose hope of ever seeing his beloved Sally again.
Reunion With Her Father
On the same day, the pup was joyfully reunited with her father. The instant Sally spotted him, she dashed into his embrace and covered his face with kisses. Both were overjoyed to be with each other again.
After expressing his gratitude to Dunn and the other volunteers for rescuing his sweet girl, Sally’s father took her home. Sally couldn’t believe her luck in being with her loving family once more.
We are delighted to learn that Sally was rescued and reunited with her forever home. We are also profoundly thankful to Joe Dunn and the team of volunteers. They are genuine heroes.