A homeless couple and their puppy are safe after being dumped into a garbage truck as they slept in a Panama City trash bin.

Police say a garbage truck driver called for help Tuesday. He says he had emptied the bin and was on his way to the next stop when he heard yelling.

The News Herald of Panama City reports Christopher McCormick had climbed onto a mattress to get the driver's attention.

Rescue crews helped dig Jessica McCormick and the dog out of the rubble.

The couple said they climbed into the trash bin when it began to rain on Monday night.

The McCormicks were taken to a hospital for treatment. The dog is being cared for by Animal Services until their release.