Courageous SC Deputy Crawls Headfirst Into Storm Drain to Rescue Dog Trapped in Sewer

Courageous SC Deputy Crawls Headfirst Into Storm Drain to Rescue Dog Trapped in Sewer
(Courtesy of Charleston County Sheriff's Office)
Jenni Julander
12/10/2020
Updated:
12/10/2020

When a dog in Charleston County, South Carolina, became trapped inside a storm drain 120 feet above the Mississippi River, it seemed like certain death for the animal; that is, until a local deputy dove headfirst into the drain to rescue the pup.

Concerned neighbors noticed that the dog had been circling the storm drain near Etiwan Avenue in West Ashley, WSOC reported. Upon closer examination, they found a second dog trapped inside, too, and they called animal control.

Master Deputy Sara Hake was dispatched to the scene on Nov. 1, and she was one of the first to arrive. Without hesitation, she took charge of the situation.

(Courtesy of <a href="http://sheriff.charlestoncounty.org/">Charleston County Sheriff's Office</a>)
(Courtesy of Charleston County Sheriff's Office)

After assessing the scene, Hake knew there was only one way to save the animals. A concrete slab covered the drain, making it difficult to reach the dogs.

So, she went into the storm drain headfirst.

Calling the dog to her, Hake managed to get the animal out.

Officials commended the officer for her actions but also advised against attempting a rescue like this one on one’s own.

“We know climbing into a storm drain around Halloween can make some a little nervous,” they joked, the news outlet reported. “So we thank Deputy Hake for meeting this challenge for the sake of a four-legged friend.”

(Courtesy of <a href="http://sheriff.charlestoncounty.org/">Charleston County Sheriff's Office</a>)
(Courtesy of Charleston County Sheriff's Office)
(Courtesy of <a href="http://sheriff.charlestoncounty.org/">Charleston County Sheriff's Office</a>)
(Courtesy of Charleston County Sheriff's Office)
Fortunately, the exhausted dog was uninjured. According to ABC, the rescued dog was taken to the Charleston Animal Society, frightened perhaps, but unharmed.

It isn’t uncommon for dogs to become trapped in storm and sewage drains in South Carolina, and not all such cases end so happily. With heavy rainfall, the drains can become dangerous for animals that can’t get back out on their own.

In May this year, a dog named Maxine was rescued from a sewage drain near Columbia. It seemed like a happy ending, and it was reported on news outlets, until the golden retriever-red heeler mix tragically passed away two days later.

Meanwhile, some people mocked the response of donations that poured in to support the family.

Sheriff Leon Lott of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department said, “Some people say it was just an animal. No. Anyone who has a dog knows they aren’t just animals. You saw people reach down deep in their hearts, deep in their souls to do something to help.”

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Jenni Julander is a writer based in the Rocky Mountains, where she received her writing education. She covers human interest and trending news for The Epoch Times.
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