Palatine police, firefighters and public works team up to rescue dog from sinkhole

Palatine police, firefighters and public works crews teamed up Tuesday morning to rescue a resident's dog after it had fallen into a sinkhole in the family's backyard, officials said.

According to police, the 17-year-old dog named Chance disappeared after being let out in the backyard of its home in the 700 block of East Glencoe Street. Police said it appears Chance fell through a small opening in the grass into a larger underground sinkhole and could not get out.

Two police officers who responded to a 6:22 a.m. call for help, along with the homeowner's 16 year-old son, got shovels and began digging to free the trapped dog. The Palatine Police Animal Warden arrived to muzzle the frightened dog and allow continued digging, police said.

The Palatine fire and public works crews also were called to the scene to assist with the extrication efforts and help prevent the hole from caving on to Chance.

Through their efforts, Chance was freed from the sinkhole without sustaining injury, police said.

The cause of the sinkhole has not yet been determined, authorities said.