Regional Effort Rescues Chocolate Lab From Bethlehem Tp Sinkhole

We've all read countless stories about the selfless love dogs show for us, whether it is digging through a mound of snow to rescue a trapped child, swimming through perilous waters to rescue a drowning person, or even dialing a pre-programmed number when its owner suffers a seizure. But those roles were reversed on August 22 in Bethlehem Township, where fire departments and emergency squads converged from all over the Lehigh Valley. In an impressive display of regionalism, they worked together to save the life of George, a 16-year old Chocolate Lab who was trapped in a sinkhole. A dog may be man's greatest friend, but man is a dog's greatest friend, too.

This story started around 2 PM, when Caroline Kenny, of 4590 William Penn Highway, let George out into the back yard to take care of business. She turned her head away for a moment, and when she looked again, George was gone. He had been swallowed up by a sinkhole that suddenly opened up in her back yard. She could still hear him barking, but he was unable to get out.

When Kenny called 911, it soon became apparent that George was in serious trouble. Not only had he fallen into a sinkhole, but was actually wedged into a crevice, with his front paws dangling into an even deeper hole. He was stuck, head first, and was unable to use his front paws to dig his way out.

What made things very challenging to rescue officials was that there was an old cistern inside the sink hole, and the ground was unsteady. Anyone who went in there was exposing himself to the danger of a sudden collapse.

Despite this obvious danger, fire departments and emergency officials, from Catasauqua to Emmaus, arrived to help. John Kalynych, coordinator of Lehigh County Special Operations, assumed command. His group specializes in technical rescues, whether it is trenches, high angle, confined spaces, hazardous materials or animal rescue. His group is made up of volunteers who are paid a nominal fee when placed on call. "It ain't putting food on the table," he told a group of reporters after it was all over.

A backhoe, on loan from the sewer authority, dug a deep hole next to the sinkhole. After that, emergency responders were connected to lifelines and descended into the depths to dig and get closer to George, whose barks were growing fainter over the eight hours he spent trapped.

Lumber was needed to shore up the cavern, and a Bethlehem Township firefighter went to nearby Lowe's to pick up a supply. Although he told the store it was an emergency, he was forced to pay $220 for the wood, out of his own pocket.

Aside from that one negative display by a supposed corporate neighbor, firefighters and emergency personnel worked together with no parochialism. EMS officials from Allentown, who have special training in treating victims of cave-ins, were on hand in the event that the dirt caved in around rescuers. Palmer Township's ladder truck was used to run safety lines. All departments brought spotlights.

Dr. Clifford Cummings

Dr. Clifford Cummings, a veterinarian with an animal hospital on nearby Church Road, was there as well, and even tried entering the sinkhole himself until he was stopped by emergency officials.

Who was the man on point, the one taking the biggest risk? The smallest? "The craziest," responded a Palmer Township firefighter.

That man was Special Ops Team member Shawn Lubenetski, age 35, who is well over 6' tall. He finally got to George after six hours. A Lehigh Township resident, Lubenetski owns three dogs himself, and was able to lift George and pull his front paws from the ledge. After that, the lab did a lot of the digging himself, and things finished quickly.

Shawn Lubenetski

After it was all over, Special Ops coordinator dubbed Lubenetski "Dr. Doolittle." Over slices of cold pizza, he explained that Lubenetski once went 80' to rescue a cat, and has even rescued ducks.

Bethlehem Township Manager Howard Kutzler, who was on hand with emergency personnel, stated sinkholes are a common problem in Bethlehem Township, especially after a heavy rain, because it erodes the limestone under the surface.

As for George, he's resting comfortably at Dr. Cummings animal hospital, and is probably wondering what he did wrong.

George being carried away

Slideshow of George's Rescue:

Noon Update: George Doing Well, Says Vet! - Dr. Cliff Cummings reports that George is doing well, is eating, and went for a nice walk this morning. "He is one lucky dog!" remarked the vet, who marveled at the dedication shown by LV emergency responders from Bethlehem Township and beyond.