San Diego firefighters rescue golden retriever from sinkhole

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 13) - A golden retriever got a little too curious during a late-night walk and ended up falling into a giant hole in San Diego.

The San Diego Humane Society released images of the dog, named Ruby, and its predicament on Tuesday night. The 10-year-old dog was walking with its owner near Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail when it ran over to the sinkhole and fell in, reports FOX 5.

Firefighters had to be called in to help pull the pup out. A spokesperson with the Humane Society said the rescue was a tricky one, since crews had to be sure the ground around the sinkhole was stable before going in.

The sinkhole was about 20-feet wide. Ruby was uninjured and reunited with her owner.

“It was just a very dangerous rescue even through it went relatively quickly and smoothly,” explained Sgt. Laurel Monreal with the SDHS Humane Law Enforcement. “The fire department started with plan A and if we had to we would have moved to plan B. they were able to lower a ladder into the hole and…harness up the dog. I just advised them on how best to handle the dog.” 

She said Ruby was a good girl, and firefighters got her out with no problems.

“First of all, if the dog had been on a leash this wouldn’t have happened at all. Leash laws exist for animal’s safety and people’s safety,” Sgt. Monreal explained. “So, even though your dog may not like it, make sure your dog is on a leash. In these conditions it’s just so muddy and areas that are safe may have trees and stuff that may fall down, so just be aware of your surroundings and keep your dog on the leash.”

The Humane Society released footage from the rescue as a remind to dog owners to leash their pups.