WICHITA (AP) – Just as Wichita officials were holding a news conference to announce their efforts to save a dog had failed, a firefighter saw wet canine nostrils appear in a tiny hole in
concrete.

It was the 100-pound mutt trapped in a culvert next to a drainage ditch.

The Wichita Eagle reported that Thursday’s news conference broke up suddenly as the firefighter called for help. Crews already suited up in scuba gear leapt back into the water-filled ditch to search for Taz, and firefighters started up the concrete saws.

Once they cut a large enough hole, one of the scuba divers stuck a hand in to grab Taz and was promptly bit. But minutes later, he was free.

The emotional owner promptly gave a thank you news conference.