Oceanside CA— Firefighters from Oceanside and Carlsbad were able to help one of “man’s best friends” today when a local dog became stuck between two storage containers on an elementary school playground. At noon, a caller reported their dog had run around behind the metal storage containers while playing with kids and had become stuck when it tried to come out the front by walking between them.
Filled with supplies for the South Oceanside Elementary School at 1806 South Horne Street in South Oceanside, several containers are located next to each other with less than a foot of space between them. However, the space becomes progressively narrower the closer to the front you get and as the dog tried to walk out towards their owners, he eventually became stuck approximately six feet from the opening.
The owners of “Spike”, a 12-year old Rhodesian Ridgeback, worked with the staff at the Oceanside Unified School District to try and free him, but were unable to do so and called for firefighters next. An engine from Carlsbad Fire was the closest unit to the location and arrived first.
They tried a couple of options to free Spike, but determined that their equipment would not be able to move the heavy steel containers and so a ladder truck from Oceanside Fire was requested. Firefighters from the Ladder Truck arrived and quickly determined the quickest way to remove spike was to use the “jaws of life.”
After quickly setting up their equipment and moving the containers approximately six inches, it appeared as if there was enough room for Spike to walk out on his own.

Firefighters then turned off their equipment and moved away so Spike would not be scared of coming out. The owners then came forward in an attempt to coax Spike to safety. After a little hesitation, Spike finally walked to freedom with his wagging tail slapping the metal containers the whole way out. He was reunited with his owners and promptly trotted away towards his South Oceanside home after a round of petting from all involved.