This Dec. 25, 2014 photo provided by Emily Amsler via the Oregon Humane Society shows John Thoeni, left, an Oregon Humane Society volunteer beginning his descent to save Sandy, a yellow Labrador who got spooked on a Christmas Day hike in the Columbia Gorge.
Image Credit: AP Photo/ Emily Amsler via Oregon Humane Society
December 27, 2014 - 4:25 PM
PORTLAND, Ore. - A yellow Labrador that got spooked on a Christmas Day hike in the Columbia Gorge near Portland, Oregon, snapped her leash and plunged 150 feet down a cliff, was rescued in the dark by a climber who rappelled to a narrow ledge where the dog was trapped.
David Schelske told the Oregon Humane Society when 3-year-old Sandy bounded around a bend and disappeared he figured her for a goner.
He hiked to the bottom of the cliff and saw her stranded on a narrow ledge 70 feet above.
At about 7 p.m., an eight-person crew helped Humane Society volunteer John Thoeni descend.
He fitted a rescue harness on the frightened dog, and the two were hoisted to safety. Sandy suffered minor injuries but walked out to the trailhead.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014