Coast Guard officers in Oregon bravely carried out the daring rescue of a sweet Golden Retriever who had fallen more than 300 feet off a steep cliff, miraculously surviving the drop.
Leo, a three-year-old dog, was out with his owners on New Year’s Day when a misstep caused him to tumble over the cliff’s edge at Ecola State Park, landing on the rocky shores of Cannon Beach below.
By the time the Coast Guard helicopter reached the scene, the local fire department had already established a pulley system to safely hoist Leo back up the side of the cliff.
The shoreline where the injured dog was stranded was only accessible by rappelling down the side of the cliff.
Footage of the rescue captures Leo curled up against the shore, his injured body pressed against the rocks.
A Coast Guard officer, who was lowered from the helicopter into the water and swam to the shore, approached Leo calmly. The dog allowed the officer to gently pick him up and secure him into a rescue basket.
Once safely back in the helicopter, the pilot was heard asking the officer, “Is this your first dog rescue, Jason?”
“First dog rescue,” he replied.
Leo was then reunited with his grateful owners, who wrapped him in a blanket, expressing their deep appreciation to the rescuers.
“Hugs all around,” one of the team members can be heard saying in the video.
The owners quickly took Leo to an emergency vet, where he was diagnosed with a collapsed lung, pulmonary contusions, deep cuts and bruises, as well as a broken tooth and jaw.
Leo underwent surgery and will need another procedure to have a wire inserted into his jaw, but he only had to stay in the hospital for one night.
Despite his injuries, Leo’s owners report that he’s in great condition and is now resting comfortably at home with his family, which includes a young pup named Remy.
After being airlifted back up the cliff, the brave rescuer carried the injured dog to his relieved owners.
