Dexter, Missouri - There’s something to be said about growing up in a small town in the Heartland.  It may take a village to raise a child, but it only took the Dexter Fire Department and the city of Dexter Street Department to rescue Bel.

On Wednesday, Scott Kruse and his family knew all too well how important it was that their local fire department came to the rescue!

Bel, their family dog, who just recently joined the family fell into a seven-foot well near their property.  Scott Kruse and his daughter, Andie, had decided to take a walk and didn’t have Bel on a leash. While they were out for their stroll, Bel just disappeared.

“We were about 10 feet away when we heard a thud,” commented Kruse, who is a local middle school principal.  “We realized Bel was gone and when we went over to the area there was a well partially covered with grass.  Looked down and there was Bel.”

Two hours later, tired and a little thirsty, Bel was rescued by Fire Chief Don Seymore and his band of helpers.  Even the city of Dexter’s Street Department combined their efforts to help dig a hole next to the well to get poor Bel out safely.

“Thanks to everyone, especially Don, who crawled through yards and yards of underground piping in the mud and yuck,” laughed Kruse who compared it to a scene from the movie “Shawshank Redemption”

“We are very blessed and it is great to live in small town USA!” continued Kruse.  “Dexter in particular.  Thanks to everyone who helped rescue Bel.”

Scott and Kerri Kruse, along with their daughter, Addie and Andie are extremely thankful to the Dexter Fire Department and the city of Dexter’s Street Department for rescuing their beloved pet.