Ziggy had always been curious. Like many terriers, he loved poking his nose into holes, chasing scents only he could understand. For his family, Lauren and Tim Flintoft, this wasn’t new. Their 10-year-old Patterdale terrier often vanished for a short while and then popped back up, tail wagging, proud of his latest adventure.
But one day, he didn’t come back.
Ziggy slipped into a hole on the family’s property, just as he had many times before. At first, Lauren wasn’t concerned. Minutes passed, then more time, and still nothing. She called his name again and again. The silence felt wrong. As worry turned into fear, it became clear that Ziggy wasn’t choosing to stay hidden. He couldn’t get out.
Tim spent the entire night trying to reach him, calling softly into the ground, hoping for a sound, any sign. There was none. By morning, exhaustion and panic had taken over. They knew they couldn’t do this alone.
The couple contacted the RSPCA, who arrived quickly and got to work. The team studied the ground, mapping out the pipes and tunnels below. Heavy equipment was brought in, and large sections of earth were carefully dug away. Everyone knew time mattered. Ziggy had already been trapped far too long.
Hour after hour passed. Then, finally, they saw him. Ziggy was stuck deep inside a drain pipe, unable to move. He was alive, but barely. The rescuers worked slowly and gently, clearing thick clay and soil, making space inch by inch.
After 19 long hours underground, Ziggy was freed.
He came out shaken and tired, but unharmed. Against all odds, he had survived. Relief washed over everyone there.
Soon, Ziggy was back where he belonged, curled up at home with his family. The fear of the last day faded into laughter and tears. They knew their adventurous terrier hadn’t changed, even if their hearts had aged a little overnight.
Ziggy’s story is a reminder of how quickly curiosity can turn into danger, and how powerful care and teamwork can be. Thanks to determined rescuers and devoted owners, one very long night ended with a happy reunion.
And while Ziggy may be ready for his next adventure, his family will definitely be watching those holes a little more closely.