An ‘Impawsible’ Rescue: Explorers Find Dog Trapped in a Cave for 2 Months, Giving Him a Second Chance at Life

spelunker Rick Haley rescues lost dog from MO cave

Abby, a 13-year-old terrier mix, was their daughter Rachel’s childhood pet. On June 9th, they let Abby out along with their other dog, Summer. The dogs tore off away from their Perry County, Missouri home. A while later Summer returned, but Abby was missing.

Rachel Bohnert holding a cat and Abby the dog in her lap.

Fate had other plans for the tenacious terrier! Two months later, the Cave Research Foundation organized a group of 30 spelunkers to enter the Moore Cave system in Perry County. This system is 22 miles long, and it happens to be located just a quarter mile across a field from the Bohnert’s home.

Abby the dog lying inside a cave by herself

“One group discovered a dog in the cave,” Rick wrote on Facebook. “Gerry Keene and I facilitated a cave rescue of a dog. The dog was not in good shape. We package the dog in a duffel bag with her head sticking out. This was to protect her and the rescuers as she would likely struggle.”

Rick Haley in cave rescuing dog in a duffle bag

Experts say the dog likely survived by drinking water inside the cave and eating nothing but whatever fish and crustaceans she could scavage. Still, the fact that she stayed alive in “total darkness” for two months is downright incredible!

Gerry Keene helps rescue dog trapped inside cave in Missouri

Once Abby reached the surface, her rescuers still didn’t know how to get her home. They enlisted the help of Biehle Assistant Fire Chief Robert Cahhon to go door-to-door showing photos of Abby. Eventually, they knocked on the door of a neighbor who recognized the dog and knew where she lived.

cave explorer Gerry Keene rescuing lost dog in a duffle bag.

“I can see the cave area from my house, it is about a quarter mile across the field,” said Jeff. “There are many sink holes in the area I live that lead into the cave system. She could have fallen into one of them when they where out exploring around.”

Gerry Keene and Rick Haley standing with dog they rescued from cave.

Aside from being painfully thin, Abby is still in good health! She is recovering from her traumatic ordeal at home, and her family is beyond grateful to the cavers who worked so hard to get her home. Well done, spelunkers!