On July 27, WASART was requested to assist with the rescue of a dog named Donny, who had become trapped on a ledge approximately 130 feet down a cliff in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Oregon Humane Society Technical Animal Rescue Team, OHSTAR, responded some hours before. They handed the operation off to us.
Early coordination revealed critical factors, including unstable canyon walls, a potentially skittish dog, and a suitable rigging area located in the parking lot.
We benefited from a group of canyoneers who were in the area and familiar with it. We were especially happy to see one of the canyoneers, who is a former WASART member. The canyoneers joined the operation.
Initially, Donny was not in visual range. The canyoneers entered the canyon to serve as ground safety for the descending attendant and to monitor for any movement deeper into the canyon. Since no one could see Donny, we set up the rigging using our best guess.
Donny was visually located across the canyon and the team relocated the rigging setup to improve both safety and access.
The WASART responder was lowered close to Donny’s location but not too close so she wouldn’t spook him. He was pressed against a tree growing from the dirt. She coaxed him over with some chicken and secured him. The team raised her and Donny. Donny’s tail started wagging emphatically as soon as he saw his owners.
We extend our sincere thanks to the canyoneering team for their valuable support and to OHSTAR for being a partner to us from Portland.
Arlo, 140′ Down a Cliff