Sable after being stuck on the ledge of a cliff.
Image: Supplied / Nicole Fourie
The curiosity of a two-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer at the Hillcrest Estate quarry led to an emergency rescue.
The adventurous canine named Sable took his dassie-chasing too far on Saturday, March 21, and saw members from the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams join forces with the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services to ensure the safety of the dog.
Sable found his way roughly 20 metres up an 80-metre cliff face. Not returning home prompted his owner to go out in search of him. He was found perched on a small ledge and stuck in that position.
WSAR spokesperson, David Nel, said rescuers established a technical rope system and carefully lowered a K9 Search and Rescue Association of South Africa operator to the stranded pup, followed closely by a Fire and Rescue specialist.
Sable being lowered to safety.
Image: Nicole Fourie
“After a short round of diplomatic negotiations, involving the strategic deployment of some premium Woolworths droëwors, the young adventurer was convinced that the rescuers were indeed there to help.
“Once safely secured in a specialised harness and tethered to his rescuer, the friendly fellow was carefully lowered down the cliff and reunited with his very relieved family. The incident was concluded shortly before 1am on Sunday,” Nel said.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith, said inter-agency coordination is what truly made this rescue a success.
Sable relaxing on his favourite couch.
Image: Supplied / Marais Schutte
“We thank everyone involved in returning him to terra firma. Hopefully he bounces back quickly from his extreme adventure. This rescue demonstrated excellent inter-agency cooperation and highlighted the specialised skills and equipment that we have at our disposal for exceptional circumstances like Sable’s,” Smith said.
WSAR’s Nel also shared an update on Sable.
“We’re happy to share that after his adventure, Sable is now well-rested, spending plenty of quality time with his family, and enjoying long hours on his favourite couch. His mom and dad report that he has not been back to the quarry, favouring fetch over dassie-chasing,” Nel said.
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