Terrified Dog Trapped Deep in Mountain Culvert — Firefighters Race Against Time to Save Him

“What a Harrowing Experience!” — Firefighters Use Jaws of Life to Rescue Dog Trapped in Mountain Culvert

A North Carolina family is calling it nothing short of a miracle after their beloved Australian Shepherd, Gracie, was freed from a terrifying ordeal in the mountains — thanks to the heroic efforts of local firefighters.

Gracie’s owner, Becky Rowe Smith, shared that her curious pup somehow got wedged inside a 25-foot-long, 15-inch-wide mountain culvert, unable to move or turn around. “It could have happened during the night while we slept, or in the early morning hours,” Smith told WLOS.

It was only when their other dog, Emmie, began acting frantic — barking and covered in mud from head to toe — that Becky realized something was wrong. “I think Emmie must have found Gracie and stayed near her the whole time,” Smith said. “She probably didn’t leave her side.”

A Dangerous Situation in the Mountains

When Smith finally located Gracie, the sight was horrifying: the dog was trapped between two massive rocks, deep within the narrow culvert. Even worse, one of the rocks above her was unstable and could have collapsed at any moment.

Realizing the situation was too dangerous to handle alone, Smith called for help. Within minutes, multiple rescue agencies arrived on the scene — including the Double Island Fire Department and the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department.

Firefighters quickly assessed the situation and decided to use their Jaws of Life — a hydraulic rescue tool typically used to free people from car wrecks — to break apart the rocks and create a safe passage for Gracie.

Three Hours of Determination

The rescue mission took nearly three tense hours as firefighters carefully worked to avoid shifting the rock above Gracie. Every movement had to be calculated, every inch gained through patience and precision.

Finally, after what must have felt like an eternity, they managed to pry open a gap large enough for Gracie to be pulled out. Covered in mud but miraculously uninjured, the frightened pup was lifted to safety — greeted by her crying, relieved owner.

A Community’s Gratitude

Smith later took to Facebook to share the emotional rescue and thank everyone who had come to their aid.

“UPDATE! SHE’S FREE! What a harrowing experience!” she wrote. “A big thank you to the Yancey County Sheriff’s Dept, Double Island Fire Department, and each one of you who prayed for Gracie!”

In her post, Smith also explained just how dangerous the situation had been:

“She crawled through a 25-foot-long, 15-inch-wide culvert that was blocked on the other side by large rocks. It was very scary because the rock above her — which was moving — could have fallen on her and crushed her. Praise God she’s safe!!!”

Safe at Last

After being examined and cleaned up, Gracie is now resting comfortably at home with her family and her loyal companion Emmie by her side.

Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly curiosity can lead animals into danger — and how love, teamwork, and courage can make all the difference in bringing them home.