At 13 years old, Bruiser, a sweet and determined senior dog, has lived a long life filled with love, loyalty, and a strong sense of routine. He’s a dog who knows what he likes, and like many older dogs, he’s not keen on change. As his owner, Nicole Michell, lovingly puts it, “Bruiser is stubborn and doesn’t like change.” This might be an understatement, especially after the recent adventure that landed him in a bit of a sticky situation.
It all started when Nicole and her boyfriend had to take a trip out of town. As new parents to a dog, they wanted to ensure that their beloved pet, Bruiser, was well taken care of in their absence. They asked a trusted friend to stay over and keep Bruiser company at their home in Upstate New York. The timing of their trip coincided with some home renovations: a new deck was being built in their backyard. Normally, Bruiser does his business in that familiar spot, but with the construction going on, Nicole suggested to the pet sitter that they take Bruiser to the front yard instead.
But as many pet owners know, change is not always easy for our furry companions. Bruiser, in true stubborn form, was having none of it. “He wouldn’t go out the front door,” Nicole said, describing Bruiser’s reluctance to leave his comfort zone. But the determined pet sitter wasn’t giving up. She hooked him up on a lead and tried to bring him to the back yard, figuring it might be better than nothing.
Unfortunately, the backyard was not the same familiar, safe place Bruiser had grown to love. With the deck being built, deep holes had been dug where the footings for the new structure were going to be placed. The pet sitter, aware of the danger, tried to steer Bruiser away from these newly created hazards. But Bruiser, never one to back down, didn’t want to be confined to a small area. “He is very stubborn and weighs almost 100 pounds,” Nicole said. Bruiser pulled in the opposite direction, and that’s when disaster struck. His back foot slipped, and in a moment, he plopped right into one of the deep holes.
Stuck in the hole, Bruiser’s large body became wedged tightly, blocking the space like a cork in a bottle. His pet sitter tried everything to get him out, but she couldn’t manage to free him. Panicked, she immediately called for help, knowing she couldn’t do it alone.
Within moments, the situation became more urgent. Nicole and her boyfriend, both worried for Bruiser, were contacted and quickly rushed to get back home. Meanwhile, help was already on the way. Local animal control and members of the Baldwin Volunteer Fire Company arrived to assist in the rescue. Bruiser, though in a tough spot, was still calm. His stubborn nature, while frustrating at times, had kept him from panicking, allowing the rescue team to work carefully and efficiently.
But freeing a 100-pound dog from a deep hole was no easy task. The rescue team had to widen the hole just enough to get a good grip on Bruiser. With the help of several volunteers and the careful work of the animal control officers, they finally managed to lift Bruiser to safety after almost an hour and a half of trying. For the team, it was a relief to see him out of the hole, but the journey wasn’t over yet. Bruiser was covered in dirt and exhausted, but miraculously, he was uninjured.
When Nicole and her boyfriend returned home about two hours later, they found Bruiser acting like nothing had happened. “He was 100% fine, just dirty. Not a limp,” Nicole said with a laugh. It was as if the whole ordeal had never occurred. Bruiser’s stubbornness might have gotten him into trouble, but it certainly didn’t hold him back for long.
Despite the scare, Bruiser didn’t seem to hold any grudge against the construction or the pet sitter. He was simply back to his old self, content and stubborn as ever, making sure his routine was back on track. His family, however, was just grateful to see him safe and sound. “We were so grateful [for everyone who helped],” Nicole said, expressing her appreciation for the volunteers who came to Bruiser’s rescue. Some of the volunteer firefighters even reached out the next day to check on Bruiser’s well-being, a kind gesture that touched the family deeply.
The story of Bruiser’s big adventure serves as a reminder of the love, resilience, and stubbornness that make dogs like him so special. While his determination led him into a bit of a bind, it also helped him remain calm during the rescue. His loyalty to his routine and his family never wavered, even as he was faced with a new and unfamiliar challenge. Bruiser’s stubbornness didn’t break him, and in fact, it may have even saved him in the end.
For Bruiser’s family, this incident was a reminder of just how much they love their furry companion. The rescue team, too, showed what can be achieved when communities come together to support one another. Bruiser’s story is a testament to the strength and courage that lies within animals, and the lengths to which people will go to ensure their safety and well-being.
As for Bruiser, he’s back to his usual self, stubborn and strong as ever. But his family, knowing the risk he faced, is even more grateful for the joy and love he brings to their lives every day.
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