Retired Police Dog Rescued After Falling Into Deep Chula Vista Well

By Christine Huard, Times of San Diego

February 2, 2023

Emergency rescue teams from multiple agencies, including the Chula Vista Fire Department and San Diego Humane Society, freed a dog Wednesday afternoon after it spent several hours at the bottom of what is being described as an unsupported well.

According to an NBC7 San Diego report, the dog, a German shepherd named Indy, is a veteran of an Arizona sheriff’s department that is retired from service.

The NBC7 San Diego report said firefighters first attempted to used a hook-and-ladder truck and drop a rope and lasso Indy, but that proved unsuccessful. Another attempt, this time using a rope and hook to snag the dog’s collar, ultimately brought the dog to safety after nightfall.

Indy did not seem to be injured, and was immediately transported to a veterinarian to be examined.

The incident began sometime before 4 p.m. Wednesday, which is when the Chula Vista Fire Department announced the rescue effort in a Tweet.

According to SDHS, the well is 40- to 50-feet deep and only about 3-feet wide — making the rescue complicated and dangerous. The NBC7 San Diego story said the opening was covered with grass and vines, and the dog slipped in when investigating it.

In a video posted to the account, Urban Search & Rescue personnel and other first responders can be seen at the location on Vista Drive near Bonita Glen Drive setting up in an open space.

According to SDHS, its Emergency Response Team in assisting rescue personnel with efforts to recover the dog.

–This story was updated at 7:13 p.m. Feb. 1, 2023.

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