When a horse in Florida fell into a septic tank, the horse’s owners didn’t know how deep the tank was, but they knew they had to act fast.
After they called 911, firefighters were dispatched to the scene, where they managed to pull the exhausted horse out of the sewage with their own sheer strength.
Buddy Bear, a 40-year-old horse from Bellview, Florida, was exhausted and terrified by the time firefighters arrived. He had sunk so far into the muck only his head was visible above the hole in the ground.
“Growing up in the horse industry, Engine 18’s Driver Engineer took command of the scene and directed rescue specialists to utilize fire hose as a box cinch to stabilize Buddy Bear,” MCFR shared on Facebook on Oct. 30.
“Tech Rescue Specialists completed the sling and supported the his back side with an additional section of hose. They were able to position Buddy Bear within the hole for the easiest extrication.”
After being pulled out of the septic tank, Buddy Bear rested on his side for a while before standing upright again.
He was examined by a veterinarian, who deemed he had no major injuries, though he’ll likely require some good rest before he’s back to his normal self.
The fire department posted a picture of Buddy Bear standing next to his rescuers. The community praised the firefighters for a job well done.
“So thankful that Engine 18’s driver Engineer had the expertise to accomplish this rescue,” one commenter wrote. “Looking at these pictures it seems the job must have seemed close to impossible.”
“Thank you for saving this horse,” said another comment. “I only wish we knew when our horse fell into the sink hole and did not make it.”
Already well past the average life expectancy for his species, Buddy Bear is certainly one lucky horse.
