SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — What could have been a dog owner’s worst nightmare turned into a heartwarming team effort and care for the scared dog.
On Sept. 30, the Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART) was called to assist with a dog who was stranded after going over a steep cliff in Snohomish County.
By the time WASART arrived, a deputy with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office was already there. He had rope experience and had made his way down to where the lab Otto was waiting.
According to WASART, Otto was about 30 feet below the top of the cliff on extremely soft and crumbly terrain, surrounded by ivy and loose debris. WASART said there was very little room to work and not many options for solid ground to stand on.
“We began setting up our rigging system. With few good anchor options nearby, we used a large pickup truck positioned at the top of the cliff as a secure anchor. Once our system was ready and team members were in place, we lowered one of our rescuers down to Otto and the deputy,” WASART wrote.
That’s when the real challenge began, according to WASART.
“Otto was positioned almost vertically against the cliff, with the deputy helping hold him securely in place. Together, they worked to get a rescue harness around Otto despite the loose dirt, tangled ivy, and his very precarious position,” WASART described.
WASART spent hours with Otto to make sure he was comfortable and relaxed as he could be during his rescue.
Eventually, crews were able to move Otto just enough to get his paws onto a tiny ledge—only about six inches wide. That gave them a little more room to finish securing his harness. He was then attached to the rope system for the raise, WASART reported.
WASART said Otto wanted to help with his own rescue and tried to climb the cliff himself. Although his enthusiasm was a great sign, it made things a little more difficult for rescuers, according to WASART.
A short time later, Otto was boosted over the edge and back onto solid ground.
He was uninjured and quickly reunited with his family.