What was meant to be a peaceful afternoon stroll quickly became every pet parent’s worst nightmare. A family hiking along the dramatic coastal cliffs of Alderney, a small island in the English Channel, suddenly realized their adventurous pup had darted ahead.
At first, they assumed she’d circle back, but moments later, they couldn’t find her anywhere. Their calls echoed into the salty air with no reply. A frantic search followed, and then the devastating truth became clear — their beloved dog had tumbled over the side of the cliff, landing over 32 feet below.
Miraculously, the pup appeared alive, but she was stranded on dangerously steep terrain. Her family, terrified she might slip even further, wasted no time. They dialed the Alderney Fire Brigade (AFB) for help.
The Rescue Team Springs Into Action
When the call came in, AFB didn’t hesitate. Within minutes, a team of rescuers arrived at Telegraph Bay, an area known for its rugged cliffs and loose ground. Time was critical. The frightened dog was perched on unstable rock, and one wrong move could send her tumbling again.
The team split into two groups. Two firefighters remained at the cliff’s top, comforting the anxious family, while the other two prepared to rappel down the sheer drop. Equipped with ropes, webbing, and harnesses, they carefully lowered themselves toward the stranded pup.
All eyes were on the dog. The moment she spotted the rescuers, her ears perked up, and her tail twitched in hopeful relief. She clearly understood help was on the way — but her excitement also made the mission trickier.
A Nervous but Grateful Pup
Lead rescuer James Vizard later explained that while the dog was happy to see them, she was also highly distressed. “This made the rescue a little more difficult,” he said. “The ground was very loose, and the last thing we wanted was the dog trying to run toward us before we were ready.”
Patiently, the firefighters worked to secure her. First, they used a piece of webbing to keep her steady. Then, once she calmed enough, they fitted her with a specialist dog rescue harness — designed so the pup could be carried safely against a rescuer’s chest.
With the dog snugly fastened, the team signaled to their colleagues above. Slowly but surely, the firefighter and the pup were hoisted back up the cliff. Inch by inch, the family watched as their beloved companion was lifted higher, until finally, paws touched safe ground again.
Reunited at Last
The first order of business was making sure the dog hadn’t suffered any injuries. To the crew’s amazement, despite her 32-foot fall, she seemed perfectly fine. After a quick check and a much-needed drink of water, she was released into her family’s arms.
The emotional reunion was nothing short of heartwarming. The pup smothered her humans with kisses, while they wrapped her in the tightest embrace. The fear and panic of the past hour melted away into sheer relief.
For the Alderney Fire Brigade, moments like this make all the challenges worth it. “The dog had no visible injuries and was safely returned to the owner after a much-needed drink and fuss from the remaining crew,” the team shared afterward.
A Lesson for Pet Parents
Though the rescue ended happily, the fire crew also hoped the incident would serve as a reminder for others. Cliffs like those around Telegraph Bay are breathtaking but dangerous, especially for curious dogs who love to run ahead.
“We would advise all owners to make sure dogs are kept on leashes when walking near the cliff paths,” Vizard cautioned.
Since that day, AFB hasn’t heard from the pup again — which is good news. It likely means she’s back to enjoying adventures with her family, this time with a little extra caution.
Meanwhile, the brave men and women of the Alderney Fire Brigade continue practicing their toughest rescue drills. Because on islands with steep cliffs and unpredictable coastlines, they know it’s only a matter of time before another animal — or even a person — will need them again.
And when that call comes, they’ll be ready to drop everything, just like they did for one very lucky dog on that unforgettable afternoon.
