An elderly dog trapped 20-feet underground on a remote hill was dramatically saved by specialist cave rescuers.
It took six-hours for the team to reach stricken Maisy after she had dropped into the unseen pothole during a walk and became stuck deep under the earth wedged between rocks.
Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team (SRMRT) was called to help save her on the North York Moors.
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They were helped by emergency services and Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA).
The operation was said to be technical, challenging and very muddy.
Tony Heap, lead incident controller at SRMRT, said it was a heartwarming team effort to free the 12-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross from her predicament, as reported by Need To Know.
“You could see the tears in the eyes of everybody as that dog came out of the ground,” he said.
“Everybody was focused on achieving the best outcome.”
A UWFRA volunteer climbed down with a hammer and chisel to widen the gap.
Then cave rescuer Lucy eventually managed to squeeze down the tight system to get the pet out.
“They had to just wedge their bodies across the gap,” Heap explained.
“Any ropes would have restricted their movements and run the risk of dislodging rocks above.”
Once safely back on the surface, Maisy greeted each team member, Heap said, before having a much-needed drink of water.
She was taken to the vet for a check-up but was doing well, he added.
A UWFRA spokesperson added: “A huge thank you to our cave team who played a pivotal role in the rescue.
“Special mention goes to Lucy on her very first callout as a pre-probationer, where her cave skills proved a massive asset in helping reach and safely rescue Maisy.”
SRMRT is a volunteer organisation that operates 24 hours a day and is funded by donations.
Founded in 1965, it provides services across the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Wolds and surrounding areas.
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