Madison firefighters rescue trapped dog
MADISON — The proverbial cat in the tree call was flipped here last week with firefighters rescuing a small dog stuck under a house.
Buck Covington discovered his 11-year-old Jack Russell Terrier Tripp stuck under his Cross Creek home last Friday morning after he heard the dog barking in what sounded like the side yard.
“My first thought was, ‘Crud he got out,’” Covington said. "But then I saw something under the house through a small opening and heard him whining saying 'get me out of here.'"
Covington said he still is not sure exactly where Tripp got under the house but said that Jack Russell’s are burrowers and that it is not unusual for them to dig their way into a tough spot.
Covington said he immediately got his shovel but quickly found he wasn’t getting anywhere fast.
“Immediately I got my shovel but I am not as young I used to be and I wasn’t getting anywhere fast,” Covington said. “After about 30 minutes I started to get a little worried.”
By this time it was about 8:30 a.m. and he decided to call the fire department for help.
Covington said he quickly had three firefighters from station 2 by the airport in his side yard willing to help.
Responding were firefighter Hunter Grewe, Lt. Ian Bennett and Lisa Valadie, a paramedic and public educator with the department.
“They were just so polite and really treated me with a lot of kindness,” Covington said. “They didn’t make me feel embarrassed. They were really nice and willing to help.”
He said they sent him inside for dog treats and quickly dug a hole where the dog could get out.
Covington said that by his recollection the whole ordeal probably took 45 minutes before Tripp was back in his owner’s arms and subsequently in his first of two warm baths.
Tripp is usually a “snowflake white” but Covington said he came out about as dirty as he had ever seen his dog in the nine years he and his wife Jill had had him.
Covington said he thanked the three firefighters and was in for another surprise when he walked into his front yard. He said MFD vehicles were parked up and down his cul de sac.
“At first I was a little embarrassed but then I was glad I lived in Madison and realized how special it was,” Covington said. “If this is how they respond to a call like this I can only imagine their response to something more serious like an actual fire. I know if I or my house is ever in trouble they will show up with the same kindness.”
Fire Chief Derrick Layton said that he was not on the scene but said that his team did what the department exists to do.
“Our mission is to help people whenever they call,” Layton said. “Whether it is a 911 call or just a call for help.”
To show his gratitude, Covington plans to make a donation to a local animal shelter in Station 2’s name as well as buying lunch for the station this week.