Overview
- Tessa, an 11-year-old yellow Lab, was pulled from a deep backyard sinkhole in Falmouth on Tuesday after a roughly two-hour operation.
- Police and fire officials said a narrow two-foot shaft opened into an undermined cavity about 12 feet down, creating a high risk of collapse.
- The Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team stabilized the ground and used a ladder, ropes, and a harness to lift the dog out just after 5 p.m.
- Food lures, including pepperoni and cooked chicken, helped position the dog so crews could secure her safely, and she was uninjured.
- Owner David Velesig said Taco, his other dog, led him to the hole, and he called 911 instead of attempting a risky solo rescue as the town later filled the cavity, which officials linked to hidden water drainage.