Firefighters in Jefferson County on Wednesday rescued a small gray and white dog that had fallen into an abandoned septic tank, the Pleasure Ridge Park Fire District said.

Crews were dispatched on Christmas Eve to a property near Pendleton Road off Dixie Highway on Krages Avenue after the animal was discovered at the bottom of a deep opening, officials said. Responders determined the opening led to an abandoned septic tank and that heavy equipment or enlarging the hole would pose additional risk to the animal and to personnel.

Using rope-rigging techniques and a portable pulley system, crews lowered a firefighter into the confined space, secured the dog and raised both the rescuer and the animal to the surface, the department said. The dog was carried from the scene and received a brief check from first responders; officials reported the animal was not injured following the extraction.

Department spokespeople said the pulley system and other rigging allowed crews to accomplish the rescue without moving large debris or widening the opening, a tactic intended to limit disturbance to the scene and reduce the risk of collapse. Firefighters found the dog alone at the bottom of the tank and proceeded with a measured extraction that prioritized the safety of both the rescuer and the animal.

The timing of the call — on Christmas Eve — made the recovery an emotional moment for crews at the scene, the department said. Personnel involved in the operation later reflected that the successful outcome was the result of training and careful coordination among team members managing the rope system, patient handling and the confined-space environment.

Local fire departments commonly prepare for animal rescues through specialized training programs that cover animal behavior, handling and restraint, risk assessment, and rescue techniques such as drags, lifts and rigging. Those programs often include collaboration with veterinarians and hands-on scenarios with live animals so crews can practice confined-space entries and other high-risk extractions before they occur in the field.

Confined-space and animal-rescue scenarios are part of routine training for many departments, and specialized courses outline the rigging and lowering methods used in cases where machinery or excavation is not an option. The department pointed to industry training standards and organizations that offer technical animal rescue instruction as part of the broader preparedness framework used by first responders.

Officials did not disclose the animal’s ownership status or whether the dog was reclaimed or transferred to a local shelter after the on-scene check. They did say no injuries were observed and that the animal was stabilized before leaving the property.

National intake figures underscore how commonly dogs are the subject of rescue and sheltering operations: in 2023, approximately 3.1 million dogs and 2.2 million cats entered U.S. shelters, according to ASPCA data. This highlights that canine incidents account for a significant share of animal-related calls for assistance.

After the extraction, the scene was cleared and firefighters packed up rigging and equipment. The department said the incident would be reviewed as part of routine after-action procedures to capture lessons learned and to inform future training and equipment purchases.

Resources for animal rescue and yard safety are available from industry organizations and pet health groups, and officials reiterated that departments regularly draw on formal training when responding to confined-space animal rescues. Pet owners are encouraged to secure yard areas with appropriate fencing tailored to their pet’s size and breed, check local ordinances and survey properties for hazards that could put animals at risk — guidance consistent with pet-safety materials from organizations such as the ASPCA and technical rescue trainers.

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