Sometimes the boldest rescue stories come not from high-flying dramas, but from one little pup and one very tight spot. Meet Zoe, a three-month-old Great Pyrenees puppy whose curious wanderings landed her wedged between two massive boulders in rural California. It took specialized gear, expert firefighters and a whole lot of care to bring her back to safety — and the tail-wagging relief at the end? Priceless.
The moment everything went sideways
On October 16, 2025, in a residential property in Ramona, California, Zoe ventured into a narrow crack between two large rocks and became stuck.
Her human family attempted to coax her out, but quickly realized the situation was beyond what they could manage alone. “The resident had tried to reach her but quickly realized the situation required technical rescue assistance,” a statement from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) explained.
In that moment, innocent puppy curiosity met rugged terrain — and the result was tense.
Enter the rescue team — tools, tactics and careful timing
Recognising the risk of further injury to Zoe or the rescuers, Cal Fire called in the heavy-duty team: firefighters from USAR 12 Deer Springs and Engine 82 Ramona.
They came equipped with harnesses, ropes and, notably, pneumatic air-bags to slowly and safely separate the boulders enough so that Zoe could extract herself.
Rescue from such crevices is tricky — one wrong lift, one unstable rock, one frightened movement and the situation could deteriorate. But the team moved methodically, creating just enough space for Zoe to slither free. There’s a powerful video shared by Cal Fire which shows the puppy stretched between the rocks, crying out, while the crew works steadily.
Triumph, tail-wagging and relief all round
And then, the moment of release: with the boulders shifted and space made, Zoe emerged — unharmed and seemingly none the worse for wear. Cal Fire described her return as “tail wagging and spirits high.”
The rescue team expressed their gladness: “We’re so glad this ‘ruff’ situation had a happy ending for everyone involved!” they said.
For the owners, the relief must have been immense. For the puppy? A close call turned into a story of rescue, strength and compassion.
Why this little drama matters
At first glance, this might appear to be a cute human-interest piece — but it speaks to bigger themes. One: pets often get into dangerous predicaments faster than we expect, especially curious young ones like Zoe. Two: the readiness and training of local emergency teams matter — here, the specialists from USAR 12 and Engine 82 were able to respond with the right gear and know-how. Three: the bond between humans and their animals is potent; owners stayed calm enough to call for help and trust the rescuers.
Also worth noting: The breed — the Great Pyrenees — is known for its size. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), full-grown individuals often reach 32 inches at the shoulder and can weight 100 pounds or more.
Zoe, at only three months, was already large enough that being wedged between rock faces became a serious hazard.
Zoe’s adventure is a reminder of how quickly things can turn from playful to perilous — and how skilled, caring human hands can turn that around. Thanks to preparedness, teamwork and a generous helping of puppy resilience, this Great Pyrenees puppy went from stuck to safe. For owners of pets and for those who help them, it’s a tale of vigilance, compassion and the joy of a happy ending.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
