In San Antonio, Texas, a group of tiny puppies found themselves in a frightening situation: lost underground in a sewer system. Their desperate cries echoed through the streets as they barked and howled, hoping someone would hear them.
“The puppies could be heard howling and crying from the street,” Lisa Norwood, public relations manager for San Antonio Animal Care Services, told The Dodo.
Rescue teams from the San Antonio Fire Department and San Antonio Water System quickly arrived. Two of the pups were pulled out without too much trouble — but one little puppy, later named Damsel, had wandered deeper into the pipes and was hopelessly trapped.
“Damsel apparently got very scared and kept going further and further into the drain until she actually hit the main sewer line,” Norwood said. “This was very concerning because the main sewer line is always in use and filled with wastewater and raw sewage.”
To locate her, rescuers relied on robotic cameras and imaging equipment. Finally, they spotted Damsel beneath a manhole. Carefully, they removed the cover, lowered a bucket into the darkness, and used the camera to gently coax her toward safety.
Once back on solid ground, Damsel was handed over to an animal care officer from San Antonio Animal Care Services, who rushed her to an overnight emergency clinic.
“She was quiet, trembling, and tired from her ordeal,” Norwood said. “Plus, she didn’t smell too great!”
Fortunately, veterinarians confirmed that the 6-week-old pup was unharmed. Today, Damsel is thriving in the care of her loving foster mom, who’s making sure she never feels lost or alone again.
“Damsel may have had a rough start,” Norwood said, “but she very quickly got her happy ending.”
To support more rescues like Damsel’s, you can donate to San Antonio Animal Care Services.
