Heroes of the Week: Jessamine County firefighters rescued a dog trapped in a cave

If you've never been to Kentucky, it's known for having some really extensive and cool caves to explore, like Mammoth Cave in the south central part of the state. But there's another cave system (not part of Mammoth Cave) located north of there in Jessamine County (just south of Lexington).  That's where a beagle named Foxy fell into a cave and couldn't get out.

(Photo:  A fireman using a line brings up Foxy from the cave floor. Credit: Jessamine County Firefighters)

Firefighters Rescue a Beagle Trapped in a Cave

Jessamine Journal, March 24, 2026

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — Crews with the Jessamine County Fire District rescued a dog trapped in a cave the morning of March 21, 2026 after a technical rope operation in a wooded area off Handys Bend Road.

According to an incident report, units were dispatched at approximately 10:45 a.m. March 21 to 2500 Handys Bend Road, Wilmore, Kentucky, near the Bluegrass Sportsman’s League, for a report of a dog stuck underground. Responding crews included Rescue 22, Engine 26 and Engine 23.

(Photo: It was a team effort to rescue Foxy from a cave. Credit: Jessamine County Firefighters)

Firefighters located the cave roughly 100 yards into the woods past a campground. Officials described it as a narrow vertical slot cave, about 35 feet deep and only a few feet wide at its largest point. It extends about 40 feet below ground.

Using a rope system anchored to nearby trees, one rescuer was lowered vertically into the cave to search for the animal. The dog, a beagle later identified as “Foxy,” was located approximately 35 to 40 feet below the surface in a tight chamber beyond the initial drop.

Crews said the rescuer was able to make contact quickly and coax the dog closer using voice commands and food. Once within reach, the dog was secured in a canine rescue harness provided by Jessamine County Animal Care and Control.

The operation then shifted to a haul system, allowing crews on the surface to raise both the rescuer and the dog safely out of the cave. Officials said the team navigated minor obstacles, including rock formations and debris near the entrance, during the lift.

A rescuer was lowered into the cave and found the dog approximately 35-40 feet down. Crews lifted the rescuer and dog out of the cave using a rope system. They say the dog appeared to be uninjured.