Devoted Dog Stands Watch For a Week Over Her Unfortunate Pal Who Fell Into an Empty Cistern

A beautiful and devoted setter named Tillie stood close watch over her basset hound pal Phoebe, who unfortunately fell into an abandoned cistern a wooded ravine on Vashon Island, Washington. The only time Tillie left Phoebe’s side was to search for food and help, which came about a week after the Vashon Island Pet Protectors announced that the two dogs had gone missing.

MISSING DOGS FOUND!!! HOORAY FOR TILLIE…and a HUGE HANKIE ALERT. We are overjoyed to report that after being missing for a week, Tillie and Phoebe are now safe after being found deep in a ravine off monument road – with Phoebe being stuck in an old cistern. …this time we have a happy ending with dear Phoebe found perched on some concrete rubble that held her out of the water. For nearly a week Tillie stayed by her side with the exception of the few minutes of each day when she went for help. A huge thanks to Joe Curiel for realizing something was up and a round of applause to the awesome and amazing Miss Tillie. A true friend and a humbling example of the power of love.

A few days after the dogs were located, volunteer Joe Curiel destroyed the cistern so that no one else could get trapped in there.

images via Vashon Island Pet Protectors