Hiker Rescues Puppy Trapped in Coal Pit After a Week Lost in Wilderness

A Golden Retriever puppy named Freddy is safe back home with his family in Pottsville, Pennsylvania after a week in the wilderness.

Collin Leiby lives at the base of Sharp Mountain and had seen the lost dog poster about Freddy and thought maybe he could go look for him. His dog, Bass, began pulling him off trail to what looked like a cave but was an abandoned coal pit. When Leiby looked into the pit he saw a swish of a tail and “locked eyes” with Freddy. The pup had fallen 10 feet down and couldn’t climb out.

“A tear came to my eye,” Leiby said. “I started calling his name. He slowly got up and started walking toward us.”

Freddy came over and Leiby reached down and lifted him up using the dog’s harness. Freddy was so relieved he began wailing and hugging Leiby. Leiby gave him water, used his spare leash, and guided him down the mountain and to the home of Freddy’s family.

Freddy’s parents, Pam and Joe Palko, had pulled out all the stops to find Freddy after he went missing. They had mobilized the community, distributed flyers, posted online pleas, brought in professional pet trackers with search dogs and thermal drones. But none of their efforts had located Freddy. They tried to remain hopeful even as the temperatures dipped below freezing.

Then, their neighbor, retired veterinarian Dr. Carolyn Canizaro-Orlowsky, answered the door to find Freddy standing outside with Leiby. She called the Palkos and they rushed home and there was a joyful reunion. “It was amazing,” said Leiby.

Freddy had lost 10 pounds while missing but he is now recovering. The Palkos are grateful for the community and all the efforts people made to bring Freddy home.