Dylan, an 8-year-old coonhound with a nose for adventure, found himself in serious trouble after wandering off.
On Saturday evening, the dog was discovered trapped about 150 feet inside an 18-inch storm drain pipe in Medford Township, sparking a five-hour, all-night rescue involving firefighters, public works crews, police, and residents. He was finally freed at 12:47 a.m. and rushed to Mount Laurel Animal Hospital, according to the Medford Fire and EMS Department.
Jericho’s Wish Animal Rescue founder Shellinda Fisher-Hardie said Dylan had been staying at a foster home when he slipped out the door and went missing on July 15. On Saturday, his foster owner spotted him lying on his side deep inside the pipe and called 911 after hours of unsuccessful coaxing.
Fire crews determined they would need to dig down and cut into the pipe, but two live power lines—carrying 7,000 volts—ran directly above it. Atlantic City Electric responded, safeguarding the lines and chiseling into the pipe. Meanwhile, townspeople joined the effort, shoveling alongside emergency crews.
As the noise from digging grew, Dylan began slowly crawling toward the opening. Fire Lt. Chris Rabbuttino extended a hooked pole, snagged his collar, and carefully guided him out. Bloodied and exhausted, Dylan was loaded into a police vehicle and rushed for emergency care.
At the hospital, Dylan was found to have a 104°F fever, abrasions from the hot pipe, a deep laceration, stiffness from confinement, and tick-borne disease.
“If he had stayed in that pipe another day, he probably would have died,” Fisher-Hardie said.
She added she was “scared to death and amazed” at how many strangers came together to save a dog they had never met.
Fire Chief Robert Dovi praised the effort:
“This was truly a team rescue. In a small town like ours, everyone comes together—and that’s what saved Dylan’s life.”