Dog falls down 200-foot waterfall and sparks daring rescue mission

Moffat, Scotland - A Jack Russell terrier named Louie plunged almost 200 feet down a waterfall, and sparked an epic rescue mission!

Mountain Moffat Rescue team had to work hard to rescue the small dog, who had fallen a huge distance.
Mountain Moffat Rescue team had to work hard to rescue the small dog, who had fallen a huge distance.  © Moffat Mountain Rescue Team

The dog's owner raised the alarm when his pet tumbled down the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall, just south of Edinburgh, Scotland, at around 2:45 PM on Sunday. It is one of the largest in the UK.

Local police then alerted the volunteer-run Moffat Mountain Rescue Team (MRT), and around 15 team members rushed to the scene.

They spotted Louie in one of the lower pools of the falls and set up a rope system. Then, the group lowered a team member down with a specialized Lyon bag for animal rescues.

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After they got the dog into the bag, they pulled it back up to the parking lot using the pulley system and rescue equipment designed specifically for accessing the rushing lower pools of the waterfall.

Despite having fallen down the full length of the falls, Louie appeared to be one lucky pup!

Grey Mare's Tail is one of the highest waterfalls in the United Kingdom.
Grey Mare's Tail is one of the highest waterfalls in the United Kingdom.  © Collage: Moffat Mountain Rescue Team

The dog fell down the highest waterfall in the UK

The Jack Russell terrier was rescued with no major injuries.
The Jack Russell terrier was rescued with no major injuries.  © Moffat Mountain Rescue Team

After his rescue, responders noted Louie had a slight limp, but was happy to be back with his owner.

In a statement on their website, the Moffat Mountain rescue team shared, "Louie was pulled out of the bottom of the waterfall alive and was very pleased to be reunited with his owner."

The volunteer group added, "The owner did the right thing contacting the police and so Mountain Rescue to ensure the search and rescue was carried out in the safest way possible.

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"We wish Louie all the best in his recovery!"

Moffat Mountain Rescue Team is funded mostly by public donations.

The waterfall is one of the highest in the UK and plunges 200 feet from Loch Skeen. That's a big fall for a small dog – who is surely happy to be home safe and sound!

Cover photo: Collage: Moffat Mountain Rescue Team

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