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Pug rescued from 30-foot sinkhole in Florida

UF students rescue 10-year-old Cookie

Cookie the pug was rescued from a sinkhole in Gainesville. Pictures courtesy UF College of Veterinary Medicine.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 10-year-old pug named Cookie is safe after falling into a giant sinkhole in the wake of a heavy rainstorm in north Florida.

Crews from multiple agencies worked five hours on Tuesday night to lift her to safety near Gainesville.

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The Gainesville Sun reported that Cookie followed owner Patricia Langston to her barn on Tuesday evening. The dog stopped to scratch. As she took a step forward, the ground opened up and Cookie tumbled into the hole.

Laurel Johanson, Cookie's other owner, said the dog disappeared from sight in the 30-foot sinkhole.

The University of Florida's Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service and other crews dug for hours until fourth-year veterinary student Jennifer Groover was finally lowered into the hole to get Cookie. She said the dog scrambled into her lap and they were hoisted to safety.


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