Rescue workers perform daring pooch rescue

Kelowna firefighters put their own lives on the line to save a dog stuck 50-feet down a cliff at Dilworth Mountain Park today.

The owner, who declined to speak to media, said the dog just got off leash. It was out of sight on a rocky crag above Kelowna Golf and Country Club and he waited nervously while firefighters performed a high angle rope rescue to save the miniature doberman pinscher. 

The action began around 1:15 p.m. at Chilcotin Crescent and Summit Drive.

Joe Kolar, acting officer and tech rescue team leader, said dog rescues are not common but they treat them with the same urgency and importance as if it was a person.

"We knew the terrain was pretty steep and hazardous so we called out our team," he said.

Nine firefighters performed the rescue lowering one man down by ropes.

The dog is safe and suffered no injuries.