1st Lieutenant Bryce Eishold, Molly's owner, helpful locals and Russ the builder
When the Erica & District Fire Brigade's pager buzzed on Wednesday night, they had no idea they were about to embark on a paws-itively unexpected rescue.
Just before 6pm on 7 August, crews were alerted to a dog stuck under a cottage in Erica. When they arrived at the scene they found Molly, a 13-year-old King Charles Spaniel, in a tight spot.
Molly had crawled under the floorboards and couldn't quite figure her way back out. Crews quickly discovered access to the trapped pooch would be challenging because the house was an old miner's cottage.
First Lieutenant of Erica and District brigade Bryce Eishold said the situation required creative thinking.
"In CFA, we look outside the box to find answers to unusual jobs that arise; we summarised the situation and decided it was best to call in a local builder with tools," Bryce said.
That builder was Russ Dunn, who quickly got to work carving out Molly's escape route.
"Russ is a great supporter of the brigade and we knew he’d be able to bring his circular saw.
"We knew roughly where the dog was, and when he got there, we ripped up the carpet and carefully cut a hole in the floorboards," Bryce said.
From the time of the call to CFA, Molly was freed into the arms of her very relieved owner, Sandra, in less than an hour.
"CFA was brilliant, they responded so fast and put a plan together. They were so caring and I cannot praise them enough," Sandra said.
By all reports, Molly is recovering well after her floorboard fright.