Everyday heroes: Peggy feared the worst when her dog was missing, but then a miracle happened
Proof that a little kindness make a big difference
“They saved our precious dog’s life!” After 12 days missing, Peggy Gilbert and her son thought their beloved 15-year- old dog was gone forever. But just when all hope seemed lost, utility workers made a miraculous discovery
Please, let Abe be okay, Peggy Gilbert prayed as she and her 24-year-old son, Travis, scoured the streets for their beloved Australian cattle dog. They’d just moved into their house in Arlington, Washington, and hadn’t realized the latch on the gate was broken when they let him out into the fenced-in yard.
At 15, Abe’s hips were giving out, and he was partially blind and mostly deaf. He won’t make it on his own, Peggy panicked.
Along with daily searches, Peggy and Travis posted a picture to the community Facebook page and Peggy hung two of her hoodies on the front porch, hoping Abe would pick up the scent.
But almost two weeks later, Abe was still missing.
“He’s still around—i can feel him,” Travis tried to buoy his mom’s spirits. But deep down, he feared the worst.
Utility worker Jeff Finch had the same gut worry when, while clearing brush to access a transmission pole, he spotted an open pit seven feet deep— and a dog lying at the bottom.
“He’s not moving,” he said as he summoned the three other crew members. But all agreed they had to check the pup out.
While Ray Snider called the police, Phil Schemenauer and Steve Ingrum grabbed a ladder and water bottles from the truck. Then Jeff climbed down and filled a paper bowl.
“You’re a good boy,” he spoke soothingly, nudging the water ever closer until the dog stretched his neck and began lapping furiously. “He’s alive!” Jeff called up when fire chief and EMT Al Chamberlin arrived.
Descending the ladder, the chief gently probed the dog’s body. “He’s malnourished and dehydrated, but nothing feels broken. I think it’s safe for us to move him.”
“Hear that, we’re gonna get you out of here.” Jeff stroked the pup, whose grateful lick and exhausted eyes seemed to say, Thank you. I tried my hardest, but I couldn’t get out.
Jeff hoisted Abe to the chief, who handed him off to Police Support Officer Val Copeland. “No tags. Can you transport him to the pound?”
“Don’t have to,” Officer Copeland said with a smile. She’d already had someone scan Facebook. “His name’s Abe. He lives a mile away.”
“Thank God!” Peggy cried when she got the call.
Travis echoed his mom when the vet assured him Abe would be just fine.
“Abe is well into his golden years, but he still has a lot more love to give— and is very much loved,” says Peggy. “We’re so grateful to have our precious boy home.”