Dogged fire crews come to the rescue again at KVI Beach

Last week, an intrepid but somewhat overeager island terrier named Jazzy was pulled out of an extremely tight spot by Vashon firefighters.

The April 11 rescue — on National Pet Day — happened very close to the same spot where just over one year ago, Vashon Island Fire & Rescue Lieutenant Ben Steele made news by rappelling down a cliff to rescue another island dog who had gotten stuck on a ledge near KVI Beach.

According to Vanessa Gannon, who is Jazzy’s person, her dog — a five-and-a-half year-old Glen of Imaal terrier — had suddenly bolted across the beach to chase two otters into their cave-like den in a tight tunnel space hidden under soil and tree roots along the shoreline. But as quickly as Jazzy ran into the den, the otters ran out. Jazzy was alone, and trapped.

Almost immediately, Gannon said, she and her partner realized Jazzy was stuck, and first called on friends to help out. But as the minutes passed, and Jazzy remained trapped, she decided to call Haven, an animal welfare nonprofit on Vashon that assists in searches and rescues of pets.

Enter Amy Carey, one of the founders of Haven, who answered Gannon’s plea for help and then immediately raced to the beach.

Arriving on the scene, Carey peered inside the dark tunnel, and could see Jazzy wagging his tail — but knew she would need help to get him out. She dialed 9-1-1.

First responders, including firefighter Bradford McMullen, arrived quickly, and went to work.

On social media, Carey shared photos of the rescue, including one of McMullen wiggling into the tunnel, and said she was happy to report that “after some expert tree root cutting, digging, squeezing into the same tight space and gentle extraction, Jazzy is now out and on his way home for dinner.”

Carey praised the first responders.

“They don’t hesitate, and that’s pretty profound,” she said, of VIFR crews. Detailing how two people who were with Gannon on the beach had received a few scratches and scrapes trying to reach the dog, she pointed out that VIFR pet rescues keep people safe, as well.

Interim Fire Chief Ben Davidson said the fire district was proud of his crew’s swift and compassionate work on the beach.

“This incident highlights the dedication and bravery of our team, who are always ready to serve and protect every member of our community, including our four-legged friends,” Davidson said.

Gannon said she, too, was immensely thankful for the firefighters’ heroic rescue of Jazzy.

“They were such great young men, so strong and professional,” she said.

Jazzy, Gannon said, is still recovering from his rough day at the beach, and still licking a small wound on his side that he sustained during his time in the tunnel. One thing, she said, would change on their next walk at KVI. “He’s definitely going to be on a leash from now when we go down there,” she said.

Carey put the rescue in perspective — offering an explanation as to why it had touched her heart so deeply.

“It’s a hard world right now, and these bright lights are really important,” she said.

Find out more about Haven at havenrescue.org. For help in searching for or rescuing a pet, call or text Haven at 206-876-9652.