A small dog missing since Tuesday was rescued from an old septic tank in the northwest end of the city Friday afternoon following a three-hour operation.
Benny, a four-year-old Wheaten Terrier, was heard whining and barking in a backyard in Toronto’s Rockcliffe-Smythe neighbourhood on Friday, but neighbours couldn't find the exact location of the sound.
A neighbour's dog finally sniffed out the missing pet’s location.
The terrier was trapped at 136 Spears St., near Weston Road and Humber Boulevard North, underneath a partially in-ground swimming pool.
The owner of the pool told CTV Toronto's John Musselman that flooding in July cracked cement surrounding the storm drain, creating an opening into the septic tank large enough for the dog to squeeze through.
Toronto Fire Capt. Mike Strapko told CTV Toronto that the dog was trapped approximately 10 feet underground, but they weren't sure exactly where he was when they arrived. Animal control was called for assistance, and rescuers attached a small camera to a pole to get a better look at the layout of the tank, and the location of the dog.
Toronto Fire Capt. Brian Scriver said the rescue was made more difficult because of how long the dog had been down there.
“I think Benny was tired,” he told CP24 at the scene. “He had been missing since Tuesday.”
Rescuers used blankets and ropes to secure the dog before lifting him out.
When Benny was pulled out of the tank, he licked his owner’s face. He was shivering and wet, but physically fine.
