A frightened pit bull found himself trapped on an Arkansas cliff ledge, unable to reach safety on his own. After a daring rescue by the North Little Rock Fire Department (NLRFD), the dog is now safe, KATV News reports.
After receiving a call about a distressed dog, the NLRFD Special Operations Team and North Little Rock Animal Control showed up at the site. At first, they couldn’t find the dog, so NLRFD Lieutenant Doug Welter rappelled down the bluffs to look around. Ten feet down, he spotted the scared and wary dog on a ledge.
“We have had to rappel down for people, but we have not had to rappel down for a dog yet, until now,” said Welter.
First responders believe the dog fell from a higher ridge.
“With water and patience, Lieutenant Welter kept the dog comfortable while our team worked to secure a makeshift harness,” NLRFD wrote on Facebook. “After gaining his trust, the crew safely raised him back to the top.”
While the crew was brainstorming a name for their new canine friend, someone jokingly said “Cliff” would be fitting. The name stuck.
After a veterinarian determined he was in good health and no person came forward to claim him, Cliff headed to North Little Rock Animal Shelter where he’s ready to find his forever home.
A trip to thank his rescuers was also in order.
“He stopped by the fire station today for a visit and hung out with the crew for a while,” NLRFD posted on Facebook. “This sweet, well-behaved boy is estimated to be around 3 to 4 years old, and he’s already neutered.”
“Help us spread the word to find a home for Cliff and all of his new-found friends who are still patiently waiting,” the post went on to say.
Lady Freethinker applauds all the first responders in North Little Rock who helped get this brave boy to safety. Unfortunately, Little Rock has an ordinance that bans pit bulls. But hopefully the publicity Cliff is receiving will inspire someone from outside the city limits to make him part of their family.
For another heartwarming story about amazing shelter animals, read about Sammy — who after 934 days in the shelter, finally found his forever home!
