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Pooch plummets 150 feet to Columbia Gorge cliff; climber rappels to rescue

Rescued dog
This Dec. 25, 2014 photo provided by Emily Amsler via the Oregon Humane Society shows John Thoeni, left, a Humane Society volunteer, beginning his descent to save Sandy, a yellow Labrador who got spooked on a Christmas Day hike in the Columbia Gorge. AP Photo/Emily Amsler via Oregon Humane Society

PORTLAND, Ore. – A yellow Labrador that got spooked on a Christmas Day hike in the Columbia Gorge, snapping her leash and plunging 150 feet down a cliff, was rescued in the dark by a climber who rappelled to a narrow ledge where the dog was trapped.

David Schelske of West Linn told the Oregon Humane Society that when 3-year-old Sandy bounded around a bend and disappeared he figured her for a goner.

He hiked to the bottom of the cliff and saw her stranded on a narrow ledge 70 feet above.

About 7 p.m., an eight-person crew helped Humane Society volunteer John Thoeni (TAY’-nee) descend.

He fitted a rescue harness on the frightened dog, and the two were hoisted to safety. Sandy suffered minor injuries but walked out to the trailhead.

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