Dog rescued from sinkhole in Palatine

PALATINE, Ill. (WLS) -- A 17-year-old dog named Chance was rescued Tuesday morning from a backyard sinkhole in Palatine, police said.

The dog fell into the sinkhole in the 700-block of East Glencoe Street.

The owner let the dog into the backyard, but then couldn't find the dog when she checked.

The dog had fallen through a small opening in the grass, and become trapped in a much larger hole that had formed beneath the surface.

Two officers, along with the homeowner's 16-year-old son, used shovels to dig out the dog.

At one point, the Palatine Police Animal Warden had to muzzle the frightened animal to allow continued digging.

The Palatine Fire and Public Works departments were called to the scene to assist with the extrication efforts and help to avoid having the hole cave in on Chance.

Chance was freed without injury.

The cause of the sinkhole has not yet been determined.