Dog found in storm drain after going missing for over a year

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 1 (UPI) -- A Maryland dog was rescued from a storm drain and taken to a shelter on Friday after having been reported missing since 2014.

Mai Tai seems to have a penchant for trouble, the male Wheaten Terrier was rescued from a slaughterhouse in Asia only to go missing for over a year in the United States before being found in a storm drain, rescued and sent to a foster home by S'Wheat Rescues.

The Missouri based rescue group posted photos of the dog, also known as Cookie, describing his condition after his harrowing rescue from a Bethesda, Md. sewer.

"He is at a great weight so obviously he had found a source for food. His coat was a matted mess and his previous owner spent several hours getting the matts cut off and made sure he was clean and ready for his foster home," a post on the groups Facebook post read.

After being rescued, Mai Tai's original owner decided they were not fit to care for the dog and turned him over to S'Wheat for his own safety.

Mai Tai was discovered when several dogs began barking at a storm drain near Lonesome Pine Lane in Bethesda, drawing attention to the sound of Mai Tai's barks coming from the pipe.

Fire fighters soon arrived on the scene to open the pipe and gently set the dog free.

Mai Tai will live in a foster home while the rescue group seeks to find a permanent residence. S'Wheat said in a Facebook post that the dog is in good spirits despite the ordeal.

"He is a little shy and jumpy but took treats from my hand and came up willingly for attention. He is a super sweet little guy."