Puppy saved after being trapped in drain for over 12 hours

A puppy was safely rescued on Thursday after spending more than 12 hours stuck in a drain in Detroit. "We're just thrilled this had a happy ending," said Kevin Hatman, a spokesman for the Michigan Humane Society, which got a call for help at about 8 a.m.



The group was called to a home in the 17000 block of Pembroke after its owner learned the pooch, believed to be a Daschund mix about 1-2 months old, had crawled into a basement drain sometime on Wednesday night. Unable to wriggle out, the pup whimpered for help. Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society rescue crews teamed up with a plumbing company and Aaron's Excavating Inc. of Waterford Township to free the pooch.

Aaron Baughey, owner of the excavating company, estimated the dog travelled some 15 feet from where he fell into an open cleanout before becoming wedged within the 3-inch, cast-iron pipe that connects a storm drain line beneath the house. "He couldn't go any farther," Baughey said, adding he and worker Brad Morey went to great lengths to reach the dog, digging a trench about 7 feet deep. "We had to get below the floor, then tunnelled back by hand under the floor along the pipe until we could get him out."


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By 5:30 p.m. the puppy was pulled out, "a little cold, a little hungry but in good condition considering his ordeal," Hatman said. Baughey said he was just happy his crew could help out. "I just couldn't stand to see the little guy in there," he said. "It felt awesome to get him out. I don't think he would have made it if he was in there much longer."