HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A frightened, trembling dog was rescued early Friday after becoming trapped in a sinkhole near Oakland Avenue and Ferrand Park in Highland Park.
According to police, crews from the city’s Water Department arrived on the block to secure a collapsing sidewalk for repairs when they heard the dog’s cries. The water crew called police. Highland Park Animal Control Officer David Wilborn and a trainee from Redford Township responded immediately.
“This is the first time since I’ve been doing animal control that we’ve had a dog stuck in a hole,” Wilborn said. “I got a call saying we had a dog stuck in the hole, with a lot of construction in the city, I’m not shocked.”
Officers described the sidewalk as unstable and at risk of further collapse, so responders worked cautiously to avoid making the situation more dangerous. Police and animal control personnel tried several tactics to reach the animal while ensuring their own safety.
“I didn’t know how deep he was, or how deep the hole was. Of course, we didn’t want it to be dangerous for us,” Wilborn said.
Within minutes, they made contact with the dog and were able to pull her out to safety.
Wilborn said the dog, described as a shepherd mix and wearing a collar, was not far into the hole and could be grabbed quickly. The owner, who arrived shortly after being contacted, tearfully embraced the animal in an emotional reunion.
The owner told officers the dog is nearly 15 years old and was a rescue. She apparently wandered from home on Thursday after crews repairing water lines on their street removed part of the family’s fence, creating an opening.