A 13-year-old golden retriever named Lilah who got stuck in a culvert pipe has been saved by a New York state trooper who came to the rescue on June 27.
Lilah had been missing for several days when her owner, Rudy Fuehrer, heard her yelps about 100 yards from his Binghamton home, while walking two other dogs, Lilah’s pups. He recognized her bark and found the drain pipe trapping the retriever.
The pipe was located under the rural road in the town of Conklin. After attempting to lure her out with peanut butter dog treats and cheese to no avail, he called 911, The Associated Press reported.
State Trooper Jimmy Rasaphone and his partner, State Trooper Ana Reynas, arrived at the scene minutes later. Rasaphone quickly decided to crawl in the pipe with a choker to secure the dog and lead her out.
Trooper “Jimmy” Rasaphone rescued 13-and-a-half-year-old Golden Retriever Lilah after she got stuck in a culvert pipe. The Trooper attached a rope to her leash and crawled about 15-feet into the pipe to find Lilah. He and the owner were able to pull her to safety. pic.twitter.com/ZwKlBkWv9k
— NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) June 27, 2022
Fuehrer said that the trooper’s determination was “astounding,” and that he was “dumbfounded” by their compassion.
“He crouched down and literally disappeared into the hole with a lead that had a choker on it,” remarked Fuehrer to AP the following day. “He was able somehow to manipulate his arms and get the choker around the dog’s head.”
To prevent any more escapades, Fuehrer now takes precautions whenever they go on a walk. “Needless to say, I took her out on a leash.”
The New York State Police posted a congratulatory message on Facebook the same day, sharing a photo of Rasaphone, Fuehrer, and Lilah. “Troopers, thank you for going above and beyond and showing compassion to help get his pup back home to her owner.”
