Firehouse.com

WINSTON-SALEM

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Two puppies were pulled to safety Tuesday evening and crews were working Wednesday morning to rescue a third puppy that was trapped in an asphalt tunnel off Stadium Drive.

Workers with the Winston-Salem Rescue Squad prepare to snake a camera into the tunnel.

Officials with the Winston-Salem Rescue Squad were at the scene working with a hand ax to gain access to the third dog, which officials were worried could be in danger if water rose in the area.

Two small female dogs were pulled to safety Tuesday evening and were taken to a local veterinary, where they were expected to be ok.

"We were soaking wet yesterday, and we'll be soaking wet today. But the rain is not a deterrent," said Sandy Mayberry, a member of the squad.

Mayberry said crews were having trouble locating the third dog because they weren't able to determine how deep the tunnel went. It appeared some asphalt dumped at the end of Stadium Drive had formed a series of tunnels were the dogs may have been living.

By early afternoon, crews had left after setting up a trap with food that they hoped would lure the dog from the tunnel, thinking that the noise of the rescue crews may have spooked the animal and the silence would draw it out in search of food.

The cage was removed late in the afternoon amid worries the puppy could get inside overnight, then become too cold. Crews said they would return Thursday morning.

Mayberry said the squad responds to 3-to-4 rescue calls each month -- some involve humans but most involve animals.

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