Every dog owner knows that sinking feeling when your dog slips out of sight. Now picture it happening near a cliff.
That’s what Humphrey’s family faced at Big Sur. It ended well, and there’s a lot worth learning from how it got there.
A Wrong Turn at Kirk Creek
Humphrey wandered off near Kirk Creek, according to the Big Sur Fire Department. He ended up stranded over the edge of a cliff.
His owners couldn’t safely reach him.
That’s what makes cliff edges so scary. Your dog can be in sight and still completely out of reach.
Firefighters Set Up a Rope System
Captain Southall and his crew responded and set up a rope system to reach Humphrey. They brought him safely back up.
Humphrey was reunited with his owners. You can read the original story in this KMPH report on the Big Sur cliffside rescue.
Rope work like this takes care and time. One wrong step near an edge can put the rescuer in danger too.
Why Dogs End Up in Places Like This
Dogs often follow their nose. A smell or a sound can pull them off a trail in seconds, and they don’t see the drop ahead.
Big Sur makes that easy to do. The coastline is rugged, and the terrain is challenging even for people.
It’s not only cliffs. A South Carolina dog fell 50 feet into an abandoned well and survived, and another dog was rescued from an abandoned mine near Grantsville, Utah.
Has your dog ever wandered somewhere scary? Tell me in the comments, I’d like to hear it.
If Your Dog Gets Stuck Near an Edge
- Don’t climb down yourself. A second person in trouble makes the rescue harder.
- Call 911 and give the exact location. Mention the road, trail, or mile marker.
- Stay where you can see your dog, if it’s safe.
- Stay calm. A panicked dog may move and slip.
- Keep hyper or untrained dogs on a leash near cliff paths.
- Before you head out, check that your dog’s ID tag and microchip details are current.
If you’re heading out on trails this season, these fall hiking tips for dog owners are worth a read first.
Why This Matters
Rescues are a regular part of life on this coast. In 2024, 18 of the 230 calls Big Sur Fire answered along its stretch of coastline were rescues.
During the summer, backcountry rescues happen multiple times a month. Big Sur Fire is a volunteer nonprofit, and its crew trains three to four times a month, including technical rescues on the cliffs.
Sometimes 15 to 20 responders are needed from several agencies, and the helicopter isn’t always available.
Chief Matt Harris estimates a single backcountry rescue can use $10,000 to $20,000 worth of resources. Usually the person rescued isn’t billed, but the cost to responders is real.
You can see all of this in the Santa Maria Sun’s report on backcountry rescues.
Key Takeaways
- Humphrey was brought up with a rope system and returned to his owners.
- Even a fairly simple rescue takes a team of people.
- Rescues cost responders time and resources, even when the person rescued isn’t billed.
- A leash near cliff edges is the easiest way to avoid all this.
Conclusion
Humphrey’s story ended well because trained crews knew what to do. A leash and a little caution can keep your dog from needing that kind of help.
Next time you’re near an edge, take a second look at where your dog is heading. That small habit can save a lot of worry.
If you want more rescue stories and pet care tips, follow Furry Found on X and join our Facebook group.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only.