Portland firefighters rescued two dogs within the last week, after each fell into deep holes.
Portland Fire & Rescue crews on Saturday night were called to a North Portland home, where a 13-year-old dog had fallen 10 feet into a sinkhole in the backyard.
Crews were able to connect an elaborate rope system to the more-than 80-pound dog’s harness and pull her to safety. Firefighters said the dog was not injured in the fall.
Then the following Friday morning, firefighters rescued a 14-year-old black Labrador that fell into a manhole in Southeast Portland.
Portland firefighters pose with Tess, the Labrador, shortly after rescuing her from a manhole in Portland, Ore., on March 17, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Portland Fire & Rescue
Fire officials say environmental services workers had removed the manhole cover near Southeast 9th Avenue and Lambert Street, to inspect the storm drains. The dog walked toward workers and fell through the hole, landing 23 feet below.
Crews at the scene lowered a firefighter down to harness the dog and then hoisted them both back to safety.
Despite the fall, firefighters say the Labrador was uninjured and walked back home after the rescue.