Portland Fire and Rescue personnel work to extricate 34-year-old quarter horse. (AP Photo/Portland Fire and Rescue, Greg Muhr)
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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A 33-year-old horse that fell neck-deep into a septic tank near her owner's home in Portland was rescued by a team of firefighters who rigged a pulley system to lift her out.
Owner Martha Johnston called 911 on Monday to report that the quarter horse named Roxy had fallen into an old tank. The crew that arrived called for a rope rescue team.
Johnston said she's grateful for the rescue of Roxy, whom she calls "the wonder horse." She says Roxy is a sweet horse who has taught children how to ride, first at a riding academy and then in the neighborhood.
Neighbors turned out Tuesday to help groom Roxy, who is on painkillers and antibiotics but regaining her appetite and showing signs of recovery. They found more cuts as they cleaned.
"She's an old gal," Johnston said Tuesday. "The worst thing I was afraid of was her going into shock. Now she's just a little annoyed at the picking at her."
Johnston said the family didn't know about the old septic tank buried in the half-acre backyard.
Roxy has lost teeth, she said, and when she fell into the tank, she was treating herself to an easy meal: the cuttings from the season's first lawn mowing.
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