The reunion story of William (Bill) and James Montiver, a couple from Alaska, with their loving dogs Alani and Cassie, a week after their home perished in a landslide, is winning hearts on the internet. On August 25, the couple’s three-story house completely collapsed after a devastating landslide occurred in Ketchikan, Alaska.
James and William luckily survived the terrifying calamity. It took away the life of one individual, as reported by city officials. However, despite several search attempts, their two pet dogs, Cassie and Alani, could not be located. Thus, in an unfortunate turn of events, the dogs had to stay buried under the debris until firefighters rescued them a week later, as reported by USA Today.
Alaska couple reunites with lost dogs 7 days after landslide
As mentioned earlier, a married couple from Alaska, James and William Montiver, have reunited with their beloved pet dogs, Alani and Cassie, seven days after a landslide demolished their house. The disaster brought their house 47 feet down into the house of their neighbor, as per a Facebook post by Ketchikan Gateway Borough.
James Montiver made it out on his own, while first responders had to rescue Bill out of the house. However, they could not find the pet dogs Alani and Cassie. On Monday, September 2, AkDoT&PF geologist Travis Watkins heard the sound of whimpering from the rubble while assessing the area. Then emergency responders arrived at the scene. After evaluating the house’s stability, the Ketchikan Fire Department crew planned for entry.
Firefighter/EMT Jason Kynsi entered first and made way for Firefighter/EMT Crystal Schleiff. Crystal then got access to the dogs’ location and, after retrieving one of them, passed it to Firefighter/EMT Tyler Pendergrass. Firefighter/EMT Chuck Dodd went on to rescue the other dog, according to the Ketchikan Gateway Borough’s Facebook post.
Thus, Cassie and Alani were finally reunited with Bill and James. They then transported them to Island to Island Veterinary Clinic. As further stated in the post, James Montiver stated, “We are humbled and blessed that Cassie and Alani have been returned to us.” James continued by thanking the emergency responder and everyone who helped them reunite with their dogs.
