Multiple Rescue Teams Work Together for Hours to Save Dog That Fell Down a Cliff

October 13, 2026

When a dog named Otto found himself stranded on a steep cliff, it took a team of rescuers from multiple agencies, specialized equipment, and hours of patience to get him back to safety.

And every bit of teamwork made a difference.

Snohomish County Sheriff's Office

The rescue unfolded in Snohomish County, Washington, after authorities received a report of a dog that had gone over a steep cliff and couldn't get back up.

Master Patrol Deputy Uhrich, drawing on his Search and Rescue and SWAT experience, used climbing equipment to descend approximately 30 feet down the cliff to reach Otto. The terrain was extremely unstable, with loose dirt, tangled ivy, and very little solid ground to work with. But Uhrich managed to reach the frightened dog and keep him calm while the team figured out how to get him out safely.

There was just one problem: Otto weighed 90 pounds, and getting him back to the top safely would require specialized rescue equipment.

That's when the Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART) was called in.

WASART arrived with the equipment and expertise needed to carry out the delicate operation. Rescuers carefully set up a rope system, using a pickup truck at the top of the cliff as a secure anchor.

Getting a harness around Otto wasn't easy. He was positioned almost vertically against the cliff, with loose dirt and tangled vegetation making an already dangerous situation even more challenging.

Uhrich stayed by Otto's side for hours, keeping him as calm as possible while additional rescuers prepared for the lift.

Eventually, the team managed to get Otto's paws onto a tiny ledge, giving them just enough room to secure his canine rescue harness. With everyone working together, Otto was attached to the rope system and carefully hoisted toward the top.

After spending approximately three hours stranded, Otto made it back onto solid ground, completely uninjured, and was reunited with his relieved family.

From sheriff's deputies and police officers to animal control specialists and trained animal rescuers, it took a whole team of people working together to bring one beloved dog home.

Sometimes, it takes a village to save a life. And sometimes, that life belongs to a four-legged friend.