The darkness envelops you, making it difficult to discern shapes and movements. You’re unsure if you’re facing up or down, and the sounds you hear seem distant and indistinct. As your energy dwindles, you wonder if there’s anything behind you, but you’re unable to turn around. This was the harrowing experience of a lost dog who was swept away into a cave by rushing water. Despite the dire circumstances, luck was on the side of this poodle, who was discovered by a group of cavers exploring 500 feet (152 meters) below the surface. The pup’s owner had given up hope of finding their 13-year-old pet after she disappeared two months prior. What seemed like an impossible situation turned into a miraculous rescue. Expert cavers found the mixed-breed poodle at the entrance of the Berome Moore caves, bringing this tale to a happy ending.
Jeff Bohnert faced a pet owner’s worst nightmare when his cherished poodle Abby didn’t come home on June 9. Despite searching for weeks, Jeff found no traces of Abby and lost all hope of reuniting with her after the cherished 13 years they spent together. However, life has a way of surprising us, just like the unexpected discovery experienced cavers Gerry Keene and Rick Haley made on August 8. As part of a Cave Research Foundation project, the team planned to explore caves north of Perryville, Missouri. Instead, they stumbled upon Abby, a skinny and dirt-covered pup curled on the mud floor, unable to wag her tail, after being trapped 500 feet (152 meters) underground. It was a miracle that Abby was still alive.
Abby, a thin and dirty poodle, was found curled up on the muddy floor of a cave by Rick Haley. The pup was extremely weak, unable to move her tail or make a sound. Although there was plenty of water in the cave, Abby hadn’t eaten anything for a long time. It was heartbreaking to see her in such a terrible state. Rick believed that Abby was simply trying to stay as comfortable as she could in the damp and chilly environment of the cave. Gerry Keene and Rick Haley, who were mapping the caves for the Cave Research Foundation, led the rescue mission that took 90 minutes to bring Abby to safety.
To rescue the dog, the men had to face a challenging task of crawling and squeezing through narrow passageways. It was not an easy job to save her from the confined space. Rick expressed that if they failed to get her out, she would have died inside. Credit goes to Rick Haley for capturing the image.
The team didn’t waste any time and swiftly contacted the fire department upon discovering a stranded puppy. Although they had never rescued an animal before, Gerry and Rick were well-equipped with specialized cave rescue training. Rick explained that similar principles apply when rescuing both humans and animals, such as keeping them warm, dry, and injury-free. The dog was located in a tight passageway that required crawling and squeezing. Rick stated that without their help, the pup would have perished in the cave. Despite the difficulty of the rescue, the team managed to successfully retrieve the reluctant dog in 90 minutes. To transport her safely, Rick used a blanket in a duffel bag to maneuver her out of the cave.
Abby was comfortably nestled in a bag as Gerry and fire chief Rob Cahoon embarked on a mission to locate her owner. They went door to door, displaying Abby’s picture to homeowners in the neighborhood until a neighbor identified the furry friend and directed them to Jeff. Jeff was amazed that Abby had survived and said she was a real fighter. The reunion between the two must have been heartwarming. However, before returning home, Abby needed medical attention. Gerry and Rob located Abby’s house quickly after taking her photo, giving Jeff hope that he would see her again.
After receiving medical attention, Abby was given the all-clear and allowed to return home. Jeff reports that she’s been slowly but surely regaining her strength and returning to her old self with each passing day. The rescue team is optimistic about her recovery, particularly after offering her a beef stick and seeing her excited reaction. Abby’s story is truly remarkable and a stroke of good fortune. The cave passage where she was found is narrow and prone to flooding, and it’s likely that the heavy rain during the two months she was missing could have claimed her life. Jeff was amazed that she managed to survive, calling her a true survivor. It seems Abby may have received divine intervention to make it through this ordeal.
The story of Abby’s adventure in the cave remains a mystery as no one knows exactly how she ended up so far inside. One day, while playing off leash with Summer, Jeff’s other dog, only one of them returned home. Concerned, Jeff launched a search operation but to no avail. It is suspected that Abby may have been chasing after a small animal like a mouse or raccoon and was led into the cave system by her hunting instincts. The rescuers and Jeff believe that heavy rains could have caused flooding that led Abby deeper into the cave system. Fortunately, after receiving treatment from the vet, Abby was cleared to return home and continue her recovery. As a gesture of appreciation, the rescuers were treated to ice cream that evening.
Rick expressed his satisfaction in taking part in the rescue, stating that it was a great feeling. He also acknowledged the team of cavers who worked alongside the Cave Research Foundation, saying that if all 30 cavers were present, they would have facilitated the rescue more efficiently. Abby can now go for short walks while leashed and is delighted to be reunited with her fellow pets Summer and Fuzzy. Jeff expressed his gratitude towards the two men who rescued Abby, mentioning that he gave them a gallon of ice cream to help them cool off. This happy ending is hard to top, and many people agree. Share your thoughts on this heartwarming story in the comments section!
