Search on for Toby’s rescuers

Elaine O’Neill is looking to track down the passers-by who helped rescue dog Toby from 4ft deep hole

A FAMILY is searching for the kind-hearted passers-by who spent almost three hours helping to rescue their dog from a 4ft deep manhole in Failsworth.

Elaine O’Neill’s partner Colin Carr was out walking Toby, a Douge De Bordeaux, when the much-loved pet suddenly disappeared on land off Roman Road. After searching, Colin found Toby had fallen into an uncovered hole and was stuck.

Elaine said: “Colin called police who put him through to the fire brigade, but they couldn’t come unless the RSPCA had asked them.

With Elaine’s two grandsons Oliver (15) and Dylan (13), Colin attempted to pull the 12-stone dog out of the hole. But it was only when three passers-by offered to help that Toby was able to escape.

Elaine (57) continued: “They took their own dog home then returned and tried to lift him with rope and a blanket. Colin and one of the helpers got into the hole and wedged a wooden plank under Toby and slowly moved it upwards so he could escape.”

Elaine, who has had Toby for nearly four years, added: “The vet said he’d been very lucky not to break something. He has arthritis so the fall could have broken his legs.

“We’d like to find the people who helped us that night so we can say thank you in person for what they did. Toby is a part of the family and I’d be devastated if anything happened to him.”