Dog thought dead is rescued from cliff ledge
Posted: December 27, 2014 - 3:14am

Dr. Amy Amsler, Oregon Humane Society volunteer during a rescue of Sandy a yellow Labrador who got spooked on a Christmas Day hike in the Columbia Gorge. Sandy snapped her leash and plunged 150 feet down a cliff before being rescued in the dark by climbers who rappelled to a narrow ledge where the animal was trapped. The Oregon Humane Society said the dog suffered only minor injuries. (AP Photo/ Emily Amsler via Oregon Humane Society)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A yellow Labrador that got spooked on a Christmas Day hike in the Columbia Gorge, snapping her leash and plunging 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 of West Linn told the Oregon Humane Society that 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. About 7 p.m., an eight-person crew helped Humane Society volunteer John Thoeni (TAY'-nee) 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.