Trapped at Bottom of Abandoned Well for Seven Days, Dog Is Pulled to Safety by Compassionate First Responders
For Immediate Release:
December 9, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Conyers, Ga. -- When Conyers residents Melissa Johnson and her father discovered their missing dog, Leslie, at the bottom of an abandoned well on December 3, they called for assistance—and Rockdale County Fire & Rescue was eager to help. Leslie had apparently been trapped in the 20-foot-deep well for seven days without food or fresh water. One of the rescuers used a ladder to descend into the well and attach a harness to Leslie, who was lifted up and reunited with Johnson. Fortunately, Leslie—although hungry—was unharmed. For working diligently to save Leslie, Rockdale County Fire & Rescue will receive PETA's Compassionate Fire Department Award.
"These firefighters showed a lot of compassion and know-how in rescuing Leslie," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Rockdale is very fortunate to have first responders who are ready to protect and serve not only human residents but also their beloved animal companions."
The department will receive a framed certificate, a letter of appreciation from PETA, a box of vegan chocolates, and a package of special oxygen masks designed specifically for dogs, cats, and other animals.
According to news reports, Johnson adopted Leslie from an animal shelter. PETA encourages anyone who's thinking about getting a companion dog or cat to follow that example by adopting from a local animal shelter instead of buying from a pet store or breeder, which exacerbates the homeless-animal crisis. PETA also encourages all animal guardians to fight animal homelessness by having their dogs and cats spayed or neutered.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.