Dog Rescued From Side Of Steep Cliff In California

A California dog found trapped on the side of a steep cliff was recently rescued after a 911 caller spotted the pup perched on a small ledge about 20 feet blow the top.

The Susanville Fire Department said a 911 caller reported a dog on a ledge near the top of Pigeon Cliffs along Highway 36 near Susanville, in northeastern California. The Susan River Fire Protection District and CalFire initially responded to the scene and determined a rescue couldn’t be performed with the equipment they had on hand, so they requested assistance from the Susanville Fire Department.

Susanville firefighters assisted CalFire with setting up a rope system and a Susanville City firefighter was lowered over the cliff down to the dog. The firefighter placed the dog in a rescue harness, then both the dog and firefighter were lowered to the bottom of the cliff.

A video shared by the fire department shows rescuers climbing down the cliff face to reach the dog, and bringing the animal to safety.

The Lassen County Sheriffs Department made after-hours contact with the Lassen Veterinary Hospital, and the dog was transported for evaluation. After vets determined the dog was uninjured, the animal was taken to the Lassen County Animal Shelter.