Whimpers from the Drain: A Week of Mystery
For an entire week, faint but persistent cries echoed from a storm drain in the heart of a busy city. Residents were haunted by the sound — a dog’s desperate whimper. Yet no one could see what was hidden beneath the cover of leaves and debris.
One kind citizen began leaving food at the mouth of the drain, and by morning, it was always gone. Something — or someone — was definitely down there.
A Hidden Life Below the City Streets
Determined to get answers, a camera was installed near the food. What it captured was heartbreaking: a lone, starving dog with visible ribs pacing back and forth in the dark, unable to escape.
The poor dog would look up at the ceiling and cry, longing for freedom. Terrified of humans, he’d retreat into the shadows whenever anyone came near.
Yet hunger eventually drew him back to the food — a sign of hope.
Mapping the Maze: A Sewer Stretching Miles
Experts began investigating. The sewer system where the dog was hiding spanned over 10 kilometers — a vast, winding labyrinth with no easy exit.
The water inlet and outlet were meters apart vertically, making it nearly impossible for a dog to escape on its own.
With no clear entry or exit in sight, rescuers realized how miraculous it was that the dog was even surviving down there.
Following the Footprints to the Truth
Searching every nook and cranny, the rescue team finally discovered paw prints near a hidden hole — the only likely point of entry.
It was now clear: the dog had fallen into the sewer system and had no way to climb out.
He had been trapped for days, scared and alone, calling out the only way he knew how — by crying.
A Rescue Mission Fueled by Compassion
Rescuers laid out fresh food and water, stepped back, and watched. The dog emerged, wary but starving.
As he devoured the food, his cries rang out again — heartbreaking and human-like. Then came a clue: a leash.
This wasn’t just a stray. Someone had lost a beloved pet. Determined to reunite them, the team began asking around.
The Search for Gom’s Family Begins
Word spread quickly. Residents hadn’t heard of anyone missing a big dog — until someone mentioned a household nearby.
The team approached a man who confirmed that his dog, a Jindo named Gom, had run off 20 days earlier when his collar came loose.
Showing a photo, he described Gom’s distinct white paw — a perfect match.
A Tearful Reunion Under the Open Sky
When the man finally arrived at the rescue site and called out, “Gom!” — the dog froze. Then, recognition lit up his face.
He whimpered, then burst into cries of joy. The man stepped closer, arms open. Gom rushed into his embrace.
It was an emotional reunion after 20 agonizing days apart. The bond between them was undeniable.
A Story of Survival and Unbreakable Bonds
The man shared Gom’s past — how he raised him since he was a puppy, bottle-feeding him after Gom’s mother died.
He remembered how playful and adventurous Gom was, often running off into the mountains to chase raccoons.
That spirit had led him into danger this time, but also into the arms of his loving owner once more.
Recovery, Rehydration, and Returning Home
At the vet, Gom was diagnosed with 3% dehydration and notable weight loss, but thankfully, he had no serious injuries.
His heart, breathing, and temperature were stable. After such an ordeal, it was a miracle.
The man took Gom home, fed him a hearty meal, and vowed to take him on more frequent walks. “Don’t leave the house again, okay?” he said with a laugh and a tear.
A Message of Hope from the Underground
Gom’s story is a reminder of how easily animals can become trapped in urban spaces — but also how acts of kindness, persistence, and love can turn tragedy into triumph.
Thanks to strangers who cared enough to listen to a faint cry from the sewer, one lost dog found his way back home.
