FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS — Tessa, an 11-year-old yellow Labrador, is back home wagging her tail after a terrifying tumble into a 12-foot-deep sinkhole in her backyard Tuesday afternoon.

At 2:43 p.m. on March 24, Falmouth Fire Rescue rushed to 387 Jones Road after the dog fell through a narrow, two-foot-wide shaft that opened into a large, unstable cavity carved out by hidden water drainage. The situation was immediately flagged as high-risk: the ground around the hole threatened to collapse, and the confined space made a direct firefighter entry far too dangerous.

Fire officials quickly called in the Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team. Crews stabilized the surface, then spent more than two hours executing a meticulous surface-level rescue. With careful tactical adjustments—and a strategic assist from slices of pepperoni—Tessa was safely hauled out at 5:01 p.m., completely uninjured.

Once back on solid ground, the relieved Lab celebrated by polishing off the rest of her pepperoni treats.

Falmouth Fire Department officials credited Tessa’s owner for doing exactly the right thing: calling 911 immediately instead of attempting a dangerous solo rescue.

The coordinated effort involved Falmouth Police, Animal Control, the Department of Public Works, the Board of Health, and Emergency Communications. Technical support came from the Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team, which pulled personnel from multiple Cape Cod fire departments. Private partners Mid Cape Home Center, Dalpe Excavation, and Dig Safe also provided critical assistance.

Tessa will hopefully enjoy many more safe backyard adventures—minus any more surprise sinkholes. 

[FFD photos/ HN edits]

P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by Haircut 100…

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