It was supposed to be a lovely hike, with a family and their dog on Alderney Island in the English Channel.
However, suddenly, the family notices their dog is missing. They can’t find him anywhere, no matter how hard they try. In panic, they call the fire department.
A Shocking Discovery
A team from the Alderney Fire Brigade (AFB) arrives swiftly. They search the whole area, but at first, they can’t see or hear the dog either.
The landscape is rugged and partially impassable, and what makes the search even more difficult are the high, rocky cliffs.
But the rescue team doesn’t give up hope of finding the furry friend, hopefully still alive.
What they suddenly discover takes their breath away: there’s a small light spot right in the middle of a steep slope.
The rescue team immediately realizes that it’s the dog they’ve been looking for. Apparently, the dog has slid down the slope and is now stuck down there.
A Challenging Rescue
The dog was lucky not to have fallen even further down. The rocky cliff goes nearly ten meters deep.
Since the slope is not only steep but also filled with rubble, the dog runs the risk of sliding even further down and getting seriously injured. The rescuers must proceed with caution to bring the dog up.
Two firefighters make their way to the little dog. They are secured with ropes and helmets because the descent is very dangerous. The other two stay up above to hold the ropes.
They have a rescue harness for the small dog, which will be attached to one of the men.
When they reach her, they put the special harness on her. It’s not easy because the helpers have little support on the slope, and the dog is a bit nervous despite her joy.
But with great care and patience, they manage. Now the ascent can begin.
A Happy Reunion and an Important Reminder
With the support of the two rescuers standing above, the two rescuers, along with the dog, reach safe ground.
The family is overjoyed to have their little dog back, and she’s just as happy to be with them.
The rescuers quickly check to ensure she’s truly uninjured and give her some water. Then she can return to the arms of her family.
However, the firefighters have one serious message to deliver:
“We advise all dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash when hiking near cliffs.”
Let’s hope everyone heeds this good advice, as not every cliff fall ends as happily as this one.
