ATOLIA | Calif. While traveling from Oregon to San Diego to visit a hospitalized relative, a couple took a rest stop near Atolia to let their pup, Elvy, out for a walk. Upon seeing a rabbit, Elvy set chase and subsequently disappeared. The couple searched for over an hour and a half and finally found her at the bottom of a steep hole approximately 40 feet deep. At this point they knew they had to call for assistance.

Engine 85 and Battalion 8 arrived on scene and created a hoist apparatus out of a patient mover but could not convince Elvy to make her way onto the tarp despite placing a blanket, food, and water on it to coax her. Engine 84 from Ridgecrest and KCFD's Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team arrived to aid in the rescue. They filled out all necessary paperwork to authorize a confined space rescue and began their operation.

A rescuer was sent down to package the pup and prepare for the ascent. The rest of the team hauled them up to safety. Thankfully the pup escaped with minor scratches. The couple planned to have Elvy fully evaluated by a veterinarian to be sure there were no other injuries.