Romeo, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever, was hoisted out of a ground crack within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Sunday.
Romeo, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever, was hoisted out of a ground crack within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Sunday.
The dog was found in good condition 20 feet down inside the crack near the Volcano golf course, according to park officials. The owner lost Romeo Saturday evening while walking her two pet dogs off-leash near the boundary of the park and golf course.
After searching into the night, she returned Sunday morning and heard faint whining deep within the crack and called for help.
Park rangers responded and performed a high-angle technical rope rescue. Ranger Arnold Nakata placed Romeo into a harness as a topside rescue team slowly pulled them out of the ground.
The grateful dog “bestowed his rescuer with lots of dog kisses,” the park said.
A Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spokesperson said dogs must be on leashes at all times in areas of the park where they are permitted.