A Clinton family is thankful for Westmoreland Firefighters who helped save their lost dog from a ravine in Clinton.

Dennis and Gloria Destefanis says their 12 yr old 165 pound Newfoundland dog named 'Smitty Bear' went missing Sunday, September 23rd. "He wandered away from our home on Skyline Drive," says Dennis. "We looked for him for almost 16 hours before finding him at the bottom of a ravine behind our house. He was so well hidden by the logs, if he hadn't lifted his head up when I yelled his name, I would have never found him. We are very fortunate because the rain came the next day and the gorge filled up with water."

Westmoreland firefighters came to the rescue. "They had to cut away several logs he was resting in between," says Gloria. "They even used a Stokes basket they've never used before for a dog. But because he's so large, he's more like a person."

Photo Credit: Gloria Destefanis
Photo Credit: Gloria Destefanis
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Westmoreland firefighters came to the rescue. "They had to cut away several logs he was resting in between," says Gloria. "They even used a Stokes basket they've never used before for a dog. But because he's so large, he's more like a person."

Photo Credit: Gloria Destefanis
Photo Credit: Gloria Destefanis
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The Destefanis' are so grateful to everyone who helped bring Smitty Bear home. "They took him right to vet, carried him in and even followed up. It was all just so heartwarming," says Gloria.

Photo Credit: Gloria Destefanis
Photo Credit: Gloria Destefanis
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Smitty Bear seems to be doing well now. "He's resting comfortably," says Dennis. "Spoiled rotten of course. We've told people for years 'we're owned by a Newfie.' The twist to this story is Newfoundland dogs are known for water rescues. But this time if was the dog that had to be rescued. It's kind of like a big circle."

Photo Credit: Gloria Destefanis
Photo Credit: Gloria Destefanis
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We're glad to hear Smitty Bear is back home thanks to our 'Hometown Heroes,' the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department.


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