PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers showed dogged determination Saturday, rappelling down a cliff to pull a tiny, shivering pooch from a ledge overlooking the Strait of San Juan de Fuca east of Port Angeles.
The team responded at
3 p.m. to the East Bluff Drive area of Port Angeles after receiving a report of a canine trapped below the top of the cliff, said Clallam County Sheriff’s Sgt. John Hollis.
After arriving at the scene, they learned that Bella, a 6-year-old female bichon frisé-Shih Tzu mix, had gone missing in the area Friday evening, Hollis said.
According to Hollis, Search and Rescue member Ed Phillips rappelled down the bluff face to retrieve Bella, while fellow SAR member Parker Stoops tended the ropes and observed Phillips during the technical rescue.
Bella was found about 25 feet from the top, Hollis said.
“Although cold and wet, Bella is well and seemed to be in high spirits,” he said.
She is home and recovering with family members in Port Angeles.
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team is a volunteer organization overseen by the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
