Dog falls off cliff and sparks daring rescue mission

Essex, UK - A small Shih Tzu named Bonnie is lucky to be alive after the pooch fell off a cliff Monday afternoon and had to be rescued in nail-biting fashion by local firefighters.

Bonnie reunited with her owner after falling off a cliff on Monday.
Bonnie reunited with her owner after falling off a cliff on Monday.  © Screenshot/Facebook/Essex Country Fire and Rescue

Bonnie fell from a 164-foot tall cliff in Essex, United Kingdom, on Monday afternoon.

But the dog must have luck on her side, as she didn't fall all the way down!

She was found perched on a thin ledge about 33-feet down and clinging to the edge, as multiple news outlets reported.

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The Shih Tzu had to stay in the "precarious position she got herself into" for about an hour until rescuers could reach her, according to Essex Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Nick Singleton.

The responding Urban Search and Rescue team had to use special ropes to climb down to the pooch, as the cliff was steep and the terrain uneven.

After a daring mission, they were able to return Bonnie to her owner, safe and sound.

While the dog had a happy ending, the firefighters took the opportunity to remind pet owners that walking their dogs near a cliff without a leash is dangerous.

"We would like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners of the dangers of having dogs off their lead near to cliffs like these," they said. "We would really recommend you keep your dog on their lead and well away from anywhere they could easily fall or get into danger."

Cover photo: Screenshot/Facebook/Essex Country Fire and Rescue

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