David Benton says Branston will be kept on a lead for the time being
A dog owner has thanked a team of firefighters that helped rescue his terrier which had become trapped underground in freezing temperatures.
The dog, called Branston, got stuck in the hole on a farm in Old Woodhall, near Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, after being let out of the house late on Monday night.
His owner, David Benton, said he tried to dig him out but, because the ground was frozen, he called Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.
A crew from Woodhall Spa used thermal imaging cameras to find Branston 6ft (1.8m) underground.
Mr Benton said: "I could just hear him barking down this deep hole.
"I was distraught.
"We didn't know if we were going to get him or not because the ground was so frozen.
"He was quite loud at first but, as the hours went by, he got quieter and I could tell he was getting tired."Image
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue
Firefighters from Woodhall Spa helped to dig Branston out of the hole
Mr Benton said he tried to dig for two hours before calling the emergency services just after midnight.
He said: "The fire crew came from Woodhall Spa and took a look at the situation. They said 'we're not going home until that dog is with us.'"
One-year-old Branston was stuck underground for about three hours before he was rescued, according to Mr Benton.
"We just used picks and shovels and anything we could get our hands on," he said.
"After a couple of hours it was like a mole popping up. His head came out from the hole and the fireman pulled him clear.
"I felt ecstatic when he came out."Image
Suzy Lawson
One-year-old Branston has been recovering at home since being rescued
Mr Benton said he wanted to thank the crew from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.
"They really saved Bran's life," he said.
"Living in an isolated place, pets like Branston really are an integral part of the family."
Ian Draper, watch manager at Woodhall Spa, said:
"After the recent cold weather the ground was extremely hard which made digging the dog out a challenge, but we were delighted that this shaggy dog story had a happy ending."
Branston has been recovering at home since the rescue and Mr Benton said he would be keeping a close eye on him.
"I'll be keeping him on the lead for a while. I won't have a wife if I don't," he said.
Image
Appeal over 'terrified' cockapoos left tied to gate
The RSPCA says it has rescued four cockapoos abandoned in Alrewas, Staffordshire.
3 hrs ago
Stoke & Staffordshire
Image
Trauma dogs to support wellbeing of 'stressed' police
Teyha the spaniel is visiting Wiltshire police stations to help staff facing stress and burnout.
15 hrs ago
Wiltshire
Image
Dog wardens receive 11th gold RSPCA award
The Forest of Dean street warden team has been recognised again for its work with stray dogs.
2 days ago
Gloucestershire
Image
Viral video 'made my day', says dog walker
The video of a photographer meeting a dog owner has had over three million views on Instagram.
2 days ago
Birmingham & Black Country
Image
'Hallucinating' mountain runner rescues lost dog
Clëo Bishop-Bolt finishes the 160-mile race in third place, despite her heroic doggy detour.
2 days ago
England
https://bbc. Com/Dog- rescued - from - 6ft - hole- in - frozen- ground/
