Dog rescued after stuck on ledge for three days
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CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Chico the pit bull was rescued Wednesday and is safe and sound after being stuck on a ledge above the Clackamas River for three days.
Chico wandered off his owner's property and she couldn't track him down. Then on Wednesday, Kathleen Smith heard him barking and found him down a steep embankment.
"I thought I lost him, and I was just clapping my hands and whistling, and I could hear him barking," Smith said. "It echoes around the river, but I went down and sure enough he was down there right on the ledge."
Smith did the smart thing. Instead of trying to reach Chico herself, she called in the pros. A Clackamas firefighter rappelled down to Chico, gave him some treats and then lowered him to firefighters in a boat.
Other than being hungry and scared, Chico is OK.
I hope that she gets a bill for the rescue. The dog would have not wandered off like that if it was cared for properly. It should be either in a fenced yard, or some other restraint that would keep the dog from wandering off your property. I am tired of our tax dollars being wasted on people's foolishness, and lack of foresight when it dealing with their pets.
 @Harry Tuttle I think she should get billed as well, but not because I think she's irresponsible. I have 3 dogs and I'm very responsible. I have a fully fenced back yard. I even walk my fence 3 times a week the check for whole being dug. One of my kids didn't securely latch the back fence. He's a kid, he made a mistake. All 3 dogs got out (all home now). You can't control the universe despite how much you try. Things happen. I do believe though you are ultimately responsible for you pet, so I think she should be billed.
Cute little pibble, so glad he's safe! Kudos to his person for keeping up the search. She deserves the Billy Madison lost dog award. =)
Good thing no idiots were below him yelling "JUMP!!"
@Kushfan No, we reserve that for idiots with ropes around their neck tying up traffic for MILES and HOURS, on a bridge in salem when you have no intent on doing it, only wanting attention for your spun out brain resulting from year of drug abuse. I knew that pos for years!
Hooray! Glad to see Chico is safe and sound, that's a job well done Clackamas firemen!
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 @Dr. Rawdog This time of the year, I wouldn't be too concerned about him overheating.
Great job, Clackamas fireman! I'm hoping the "treats" weren't your fingers, yes? <grin>
I'm also giving kudos to KATU writing staff for having properly used and spelled "rappelled"
@Gravity Works! From the look of that cute mutt, I would guess that as long as the rescuer talked to him for a minute, and of course,the snack would help! Poor kid was probably starving. Myself, after 3 days w/out eating, I probably would not stop till I reached the shoulder! He sure s a healthy looking kid for beig lost 3 days.
Great story! (I was fearful to read the comments, though - afraid there might be nut jobs posting snide comments about pit bulls. Thank goodness just you three compassionate folks so far.)
What a handsome boy. Sure glad it came out well. Ah,yes. Another one of our fire fighters' succeses. Good job guys and girls!
Happy news! I'll bet Chico got a steak dinner!
It's scary to lose a canine companion, even for a little while.
Great News!!! Ms. Smith did the right thing by calling the pros to help....Love this kind of an ending.