Doggy paddle: Brave dog’s pawsome escape from Buriram well

In a heart-stopping tale of sheer survival, rescue workers in Buriram were floored by the bravery and quick thinking of a stray dog that managed to keep its head above water—literally!

The canine Houdini found itself in deep trouble after toppling into an old well at the backside of Sra Yam Ma market in Nang Rong district but ingeniously used its limbs to stay afloat for a staggering three hours.

The drama unfolded when the Siam Ruamjai Pu In Buriram rescue squad was alerted by a local Good Samaritan about the precarious plight of the three year old male dog. Once a vital source of water supply for village folk during dry spells, the old well had turned into a veritable pitfall.

Upon racing to the scene at Phakdiburi Rak Road, Worabadin Rungrongchaikul, head of the rescue unit was gobsmacked by the sight before him: the determined pooch using both front and hind legs with expert precision, bracing itself against the well’s concrete walls to stave off drowning.

“The dog had its legs pressed firmly against the pipe to keep from sinking. We estimate it held that position for at least three hours.”

With a diameter of around 80 centimetres, the well was far from accommodating but the courage and tenacity displayed by the little trooper was nothing short of phenomenal.

Human chain

Realising they were racing against time, the rescue team concocted a plan on the fly: forming a human chain, they reached down and pulled the lucky lad from the depths, thrilling onlookers who had arrived, fingers crossed, hoping for this very outcome.

“We dashed to the scene as soon as the call came in, fearing for the dog’s safety. Witnessing the dog desperately supporting itself was heartbreaking. Had we stalled, we might’ve been too late.”

This nail-biting near-catastrophe serves as a testament to not only the resourcefulness of animals when cornered but also to the power of community action. The quick-thinking teamwork of the rescuers, paired with vigilant public intervention, highlighted the undeniable impact of compassion.

As the drama concluded and the dog was coaxed back to safe, solid ground, sighs of relief mingled with applause. More than just a rescue mission, this event underscored the lurking dangers stray animals face in urban nooks and crannies—from unsuspecting hazards in everyday environments to forgotten wells waiting to ensnare the unaware.

The harrowing episode of this dog’s nerve-wracking ordeal and the triumphant rescue effort is a poignant reminder of the critical role readiness and empathy play in safeguarding the vulnerable.

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