Archie Bean, a 12-week-old Pekinese puppy, was rescued from falling through an open floor vent on the third floor of a townhome near Centennial, Colorado, after being stranded for over three hours.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. – It was a tedious yet heartwarming rescue effort to save a puppy after he fell through an open floor vent on the third floor of a Colorado townhome.
The 12-week-old, 5-pound Pekinese named Archie Bean unintentionally slipped through the uncovered vent after jumping from the bed, leaving him stranded for over three hours.
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Owner Monique Moon holds Archie Bean, her 12-week-old Pekinese puppy.
(Monique Moon)
South Metro Fire Rescue firefighters and deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to Archie’s whimpers, which could be heard echoing throughout the house Tuesday evening.
With the aid of a local plumbing service, crews quickly intervened to help rescue the stranded puppy, while the community outside was captivated by the intense situation.
“I texted my entire family in California and Texas and told them I need prayers, exactly what was happening and who was here and trying to help,” Archie’s owner, Monique Moon, told firefighters. “This whole community is on edge, trying to figure out when this dog is going to be OK.”
The harrowing operation faced challenges as the crew had to navigate through the townhome’s intricate ductwork to locate Archie.
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The crew had to navigate through the complex system of ducts in the townhome to find Archie.
(South Metro Fire Rescue)
Firefighters said they decided to cut multiple holes in the home’s walls and ceiling to access the ductwork system. The crew also deployed a small camera through a hole in the ductwork to conduct a meticulous search for Archie’s exact location.
The crew used a small camera to find Archie’s exact location.
(South Metro Fire Rescue)
Archie was finally spotted after a thorough and intense search, bringing a sigh of relief to all involved in the rescue mission.
Archie was finally spotted by the search team after hours of searching.
(South Metro Fire Rescue)
“Everybody who was digging in all the holes in my house and cutting in the walls and the ceilings, thank you so much for not giving up,” Moon said. “You guys made a miracle today.”
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After the rescue was a success, Monique Moon cradled Archie in her arms, overwhelmed with joy and relief.
(South Metro Fire Rescue)
Moon is now warning pet owners to make sure they keep their vents covered at all times.
“None of the vent covers are secure, but don’t think that more air is coming out,” she said. “If you have a small animal in your house, don’t think that. Don’t think twice. Just leave the vents covered.”