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

via The Dodo