LIBERTY – Two Village of Liberty employees risked their lives to rescue two dogs trapped for over two hours in an underground box culvert running along Edgar Street.
At around 8 a.m., the women – Police Officer Breann Jones and Dog Control Officer/Constable Joanne Gerow – traced dog parking to the culvert but were unable to gain entry due to the threat of the collapse of an unstable roof.
They gained access to the tunnel from another location by climbing through a hole in a chain link fence and sliding down a seven-foot concrete wall.
They were able to maneuver low clearance and reached the dogs about 40 feet into the underground box culvert.
One of the dogs was partially submerged with his paws holding onto a rock ledge, unable to free himself.
The other dog kept barking and began to behave aggressively, appearing to protect her companion, authorities said.
With the assistance of concerned citizen Tom Lewis, Jones and Gerow were able to secure the female dog in order to safely rescue her friend from the water.
Both dogs and their rescuers were able to successfully get out of the culvert with animals appearing to be in good health.
Gerow was attempting to locate their owners and is asking anyone who can identify them to call Catskill Animal Rescue at 845-747-9450.
“This was a beautiful example of canine loyalty at its highest level,” said Gerow. “At one point, the female literally jumped into deeper water to protect her friend. Officer Jones was fearless, and we knew together we would not fail.”
She also expressed her appreciation to Lewis “and another fine young man who also assisted.”
