Archie Bean’s distressing experience astonished everyone.
At merely 12 weeks old, this 5-pound Pekingese pup unwittingly slipped through an uncovered vent in his family residence in Douglas County, Colorado. Consequently, he became trapped inside for an arduous three hours.
Monique, his caretaker, frantically attempted to save her pet, yet determining his exact whereabouts proved nearly impossible. That’s when she reached out to South Metro Fire Rescue…
3-Hour Torment
Upon Monique’s cry for assistance, the initial responders arrived. The incredible teams from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Plumbline Services promptly commenced the rescue, but the situation proved more complicated than anticipated.
It was discovered that Archie had fallen through the 3-story opening directly into the duct system.
“I took the other dogs outside, and he jumped off my son’s bed right into this hole, and my son said he could see him going like this and he attempted to grab him, but there were many nails and obstacles,” Monique recalled in the rescue video shared by SMFR.
All the pet owners and rescuers could hear was Archie’s pitiful whimpering resonating within the walls.
“Every time I hear him whine, wherever I am, whatever vent I am beside, it seems like that’s where he is. Thus, we cannot determine his location,” Archie’s owner explained.
The rescuers had to maneuver through the ductwork with a miniature camera to find the poor dog. Consequently, they made several openings in the walls to facilitate easier access to the pup.
After hours of searching, the compassionate team nearly lost hope. However, they eventually spotted two frightened eyes peeking at the camera. There he was – right inside the basement’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).
Finally Safe And Rejoined With His Family
The team swiftly rushed to the basement to retrieve Archie from the duct. One of the rescuers cradled him gently in his arms, then handed him over to his weeping mother.
Archie appeared visibly bewildered and shaken, but fortunately, he had no cuts or scrapes.
“That is a prayer answered… He went from the third floor down to the basement and he doesn’t have a scratch on him,” Monique expressed to SMFR.
Following their touching reunion, Archie’s owner expressed gratitude to the wonderful rescuers for their tireless efforts to save her beloved dog.
Despite the challenging rescue that at times felt like an impossible mission, it was their kindness that led to a favorable resolution!
“As Archie joyfully reunites with his appreciative owners, the community rejoices in a story of compassion and determination in the face of struggles,” SMFR stated in a Facebook message.
Archie is now safe with his family, snuggled up beside his fellow furry siblings. Despite his harrowing experience, he will continue to enjoy a wonderful life with his family in their Colorado household.
And, hopefully, this time around, this gentle Pekingese pup will strive to stay out of difficulties!