THIS is the desperate moment a tiny terrier was rescued by its owners after being trapped underground for three days.
Ruby had been missing from the Underbarrow area of Cumbria since Sunday afternoon.
The terrier is believed to have ventured into the gap before a rock fell, trapping the animal underground[/caption]
A friend of the dog’s owner could be seen digging the area before reaching in to pull the animal to safety[/caption]
Ruby’s owner has since confirmed the safe return of his beloved pet[/caption]
A number of locals volunteered their time in an effort to help find the four-legged pet.
Simon Rayner, a local pub owner, originally posted a desperate plea on social media for anyone who may have seen his beloved animal.
Often prone to holes in the ground, Ruby’s owners were left terrified when she did not emerge for some time.
Yet, three days later she was discovered stuck in a hole after a rock had fallen.
A friend heard a tiny noise and after “much digging” the pair managed a successful rescue attempt.
The footage shows how a friend of Rayner continued to shovel soil as he reassured the pup.
He then reached into the hole with the entire length of his arm, up to his shoulder.
Lying on his front the man can be seen trying to help Ruby make her way up on to higher land.
Managing a firm grasp on the weak animal, a number of relieved people could be heard saying the pet’s name as a glimpse of her nose can be spotted.
She was then shown eating food at home in an attempt to help her regain some strength.
Ruby was taken to a local vet to check her over.
The owners took to social media to thank all of those helping with the search effort.
With nearly 150k views, the footage has also garnered just under 2000 comments.
A subsequent post has confirmed Ruby’s safe return home with barely a scratch.
Simon wrote: “You’d never believe Ruby had spent 3 days underground when we picked her up from the vets, barely a scratch on her.
“She has lost a little weight but gradually getting back to eating normally and is now fully hydrated again.
“Thanks again for all of the lovely messages everyone has sent. If only she knew what chaos she’s caused!”
Originally posting on Instagram to alert others of the disappearance, he wrote: “Our incredible little Ruby has been missing since Sunday afternoon in the Underbarrow area.
“She is prone to going into holes in the ground and I’m so worried that she has got stuck.
“If anyone has seen or heard her, please do send me a message, I don’t know how long she will last if we can’t find her.
“There are so many wonderful people who have helped to look for her and I can’t thank them enough.
“There are also some awful scammers offering services that are clearly not real, shame on them to prey on people at a time like this.
“Please share if you can and hopefully we will be able to find her. “
Ruby could be seen covered in soil as she was returned to her terrified owners[/caption]
