Jack Russell survives five day ordeal

A tiny, but very brave Jack Russell managed to survive five days trapped down a fox hole in Navan and is now recovering with the love and care of his owner.

Neil Dunne of Dunloe Drive in Navan was frantic when his beloved seven year old dog, Boss, went missing, and he spent five desperate days searching for him, putting up posters and posting on Facebook.
Unbelievably, Boss had got trapped in a fox hole and managed to survive his five day ordeal. He needed veterinary attention and slept for ages after his rescue, but is now well recovered.
Paul has two Jack Russell terriers, Boss and five year old Wilson.
On Thursday 1st December, Neil took both dogs out for a walk along the nearby railway line and across the fields.
The dogs often take off to chase rabbits and he calls them back, but on this particular day, Boss rushed off and never came back.
“I was on my way back home and thought he was coming behind, but discovered he wasn’t there. I shouted and called and went searching, but there was no sign of him.
“I went home with Wilson and went back out again, but I just couldn’t get him. I spent the next five days, searching. I put up posters of him and put out a Facebook appeal.
“I was heartbroken and couldn’t sleep. I’m a real dog lover and Wilson was also very upset. He was missing his pal.”
Neil had help from friends and family searching for little Boss and was beginning to lose hope when a miracle happened.
“A woman was walking along the railway line and saw him down the foxhole. He was trapped. She and her husband pulled away sticks that were in his way and freed him.”
Boss must have been frightened and disoriented after his ordeal and turned and went back into the hole.
Luckily, the couple had seen the posters about Boss and were able to contact Neil.
“Myself and two friends, Joseph Brennan and Patrick O’Dea, went out and dug him out.
“He was dehydrated, hungry and frightened but he was delighted to see me. He was wagging his tail and jumping up on me, but was disoriented.”
Neil brought him home, gave him water and food and he slept for hours. “Wilson was absolutely delighted to see him. He was taken to the vet because he had a few cuts on his face and an infection, but the vet said he was going to be ok and he is now recovering well.
“I’m just delighted to have him back. I cannot believe he survived that long down a fox hole. He’s amazing,” said Neil.