Mississippi Boy, Dog Rescued After Falling Down Well

— -- A Mississippi boy and his dog are safe after falling down a well on Monday, a rescue that required dozens of helpers.

Emergency crews worked for more than three hours to free the boy.

Gabe Allbritton, 4, heard his dog barking outside his home in Lincoln County, Mississippi – and when he followed the sound, he fell into the hole, along with the dog, which had gone missing a few days earlier. The hole is 23 feet deep.

First responders spoke to the boy, trying to keep him calm.

The hole wasn’t wide enough for rescuers to reach the boy, forcing officials to call in a trench rescue crew.

"We had people show up with trackhoes, people show up with all kinds of equipment just to come out and help. They just wanted to help get him out,” sheriff Steve Rushing said.

Emergency crews lowered a rope, to no avail -- Gabe didn’t know how to attach it.

The crews were later able to free the boy unharmed, causing rescuers and the gathered crowd to cheer. Soon after, the dog was also freed.

As for Gabe, his rescuers have promised him pizza and many rides in the fire truck, rewards for his bravery.