Trapped in a Cistern: Dog Rescued by Loyal Setter

Setter laying down

We all know the story of the Collie named Lassie, and how she saved Timmy. Well, in this case it was a Setter named Tille that saved her friend Phoebe, a Basset Hound. Phoebe was trapped in a shallow concrete cistern and Tille stayed with her for a week before volunteers finally found them, reported Susan Wyatt of USA Today.

The setter and the hound
According to Wyatt, the two BFFs were reported missing in Vashon, WA on Monday. A search was underway when a call placed to the Vashon Island Pet Protectors said a “reddish” dog was poking around, and seemingly asking for help. That dog, as it turned out, wasTille.

Finding Phoebe
Wyatt reports that Volunteer Amy Carey explained it was like trying to find a needle in a haystack at that point. As the volunteers searched the ravine where Tille had been spotted, they were delighted to hear a tiny “woof.” That woof led them to Tille, who was laying down with her head against the wall of concrete cistern. A few tense moments later, Phoebe was found to be alive, inside, perched on a pile of debris.

This just shows how important it is to never give up hope. It’s also another seriously good reason to keep your dogs on a leash. Unfortunately not all dogs have a Tille.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Reviewed on: 
Friday, September 18, 2015