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. Credit: AP Photo/ Emily Amsler via Oregon Humane Society

Cliffhanger: Pooch plummets 150 feet to Oregon cliff; climber rappels to rescue

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.

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One response

  1. Judith Jordan

    So glad Sandy is safe.Thanks and best wishes to the Humane Society and John Thoeni for their rescue efforts.

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Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.

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