Elizabeth Maki (right) her husand Chris Maki and their springer spaniel Maisy are seen in this submitted photo.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Elizabeth Maki

A Kamloops dog owner had to call for help when her springer spaniel fell 30 feet down a steep canyon in a local park this week.

Elizabeth Maki called Kamloops Fire Rescue when her dog Maisy bounded ahead and rolled down the slope in Peterson Creek Nature Park Monday, Sept. 26.

“This was a traumatic experience for me and my dog,” she said.

It was a beautiful sunny day when Maki and her two-year-old spaniel, along with a good friend, went hiking on the network of trails at the park.

The little group started out on clearly defined trails on the west side of the canyon, later crossed the creek and went up along the east side of the canyon. They were slowly making their way down toward the parking lot when the horrifying incident happened.

“On the east side of the canyon the paths aren’t really marked and they split fairly often,” Maki said. “We stuck to the right each time it split as we were wanting to make our way down to the parking lot and weren’t sure where the paths at the top would go.

A photo showing a where a dog fell from on the east side of Peterson Creek Canyon in Kamloops.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Elizabeth Maki

“There was no signage that the path would suddenly become so narrow and run inches from a steep cliff drop. It literally happened within a few steps with no warning.”

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Her dog suddenly bounded down the hill above them, skidded on the path and dropped over the cliff edge.

“It happened in slow motion,” Maki said. “I watched as she rolled three times before stopping on a landing far below. It was horrible.”

The dog was unable to get back up the steep rock walls and shale and was crying, and Maki was unable to get to her.

“I didn’t know how injured she was,” she said. “I didn’t know if I could move her even if I was able to get down, if she had internal bleeding or breaks. It was horrible, not being able to help her and wondering how long she would last.”

After thinking of every possible solution and coming up with nothing she called the fire department for help.

“I hesitated at first, I didn’t want to use up safety resources, but we were stuck.”

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A rescue team showed up in less than an hour equipped with trained rescuers and ropes. They quickly got Maisy back into her owner’s arms.

“I was overwhelmed with all the emotions,” Maki said. “I couldn't believe she was alive, let alone jumping all over me. I was overwhelmed with gratitude that Kamloops Fire Rescue had gone down to get her. I was just so relieved, and overjoyed and grateful. I shed a lot tears.”

Maki is hoping a warning sign could be erected to prevent the same thing from happening to others. She is not sure if the spot she was at is within the boundaries of Peterson Creek park. 

“After the ordeal was over and we were making our way down, there were signs and fences warning people of a steep drop off, but that wasn't for quite a long way down, closer to the parking lot," she said. "You would see signage if you climbed up from the east side but there is nothing if you approach from the top.”

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The dog was taken to Kamloops Veterinary Clinic for a full checkup following the fall.

“I can’t believe she is still alive and it looks like no breaks or internal damage, just lots of cuts and abrasions. It was the worst 90 minutes of my life but she was OK.”

Kamloops Fire Rescue posted about the incident on their social media.

“On Monday morning our crews performed rope rescue in Peterson Creek Canyon,” reads a fire department social media post. “We’re sure she’ll be treading carefully on her next hike (maybe a few days to recover from her traumatic experience first though).”

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