Dog rescued from Chandler family's backyard

CHANDLER, Ariz. (KSAZ) - It was a "ruff" day for a dog in the East Valley, as it had to be rescued from a large hole in a family's backyard.

Crews from Chandler Fire, APS, and Southwest Gas were all at the home, located near Alma School and Chandler Boulevard, trying to free the trapped pup. According to the owner, his dog, named "Ticklish Ruben", chased a cat into the hole that had been dug by the family's tortoise. He quickly realized he'd need some help, and called the fire department.

"In the final stretch there, I physically went in the hole and saw he had cornered a cat and he was willfully inside the hole," said Toby Passmore. "Actually, he could have come out on his own free will, but he would not give up on the cat. We left the hole open, so the cat can get out when he needs to when he feels safe enough."

It took about five hours to free the dog.