A dog in Connecticut took an epic tumble at a state park earlier this week, prompting a harrowing rescue by firefighters.
Firefighters save dog following dangerous jump
According to Fox, the incident occurred on Monday around 3:30 p.m. at Mount Tom State Park. A dog mom called Bantam Fire Company to report that a dog named Babe jumped 34 feet from a tower. The pup could not walk as a result.
Firefighters from multiple fire departments arrived on the scene. They brought specialized equipment, including a Stokes Wheel and a Gator, to help rescue the dog from a trail in the woods. The crew managed to reach Babe, then stabilized the fur baby. Finally, they carried the injured pooch to safety. The whole ordeal took over an hour.
First responders transported Babe to a local veterinary hospital for an evaluation.
“We’re happy to report the dog has been examined and has no life-threatening injuries,” Bantam firefighters shared in a Facebook post.
In a Facebook comment, the dog’s mom expressed her gratitude for the first responders “Words can not express how grateful I am to these first responders. They arrived quickly, were professional, kind, compassionate & empathetic. They are true heroes,” she wrote.
“Babe is now at an emergency hospital,” she said. “He is resting comfortably with pain meds.” She continued, “He is clear from internal injuries and is having more tests done as he has a torn ACL and injured carpus. He will need surgery but will recover. The veterinarian said he is a miracle dog to have so few injuries after such a bad fall. My heart is bursting with the love and appreciation I have for this rescue crew.”
Dog safety tips
This dog was fortunate that firefighters rescued him so quickly. Not every pup would be so lucky to survive that kind of fall. There are several precautions you can take to keep your dog safe during outdoor excursions. First, always keep your dog on a leash. You should also consider using a harness instead of a collar to prevent neck injuries in case of sudden movements.
Additionally, avoid off-leash hiking in areas with steep cliffs or high towers due to the risk of accidental falls. Furthermore, make sure to train your dog with solid recall commands, reinforcing their response to your call, no matter the setting. Lastly, for areas with high vantage points, such as towers or lookout points, maintain a firm grip on your dog’s leash, providing an extra layer of protection against impulsive leaps. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable hiking experience with your four-legged friend, minimizing the risk of unfortunate incidents like what happened to Babe.
