The U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest is being praised for successfully rescuing a dog named Leo who fell off a cliff at the Ecola State Park in Oregon on New Year’s Day.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to pay for Leo’s veterinary expenses and explained the situation.
The organizers noted his owners took him for a New Year’s hike, where Leo, a 3-year-old golden retriever, ran ahead and fell over 300 feet off the cliff.
His owners, Alexa and Cody, called 911, and the Cannon Beach Fire and Rescue and Seaside Fire and Rescue unsuccessfully attempted to rescue him with a rope and pulley system.
The Coast Guard was called in and had a swimmer reach Leo so he could be carefully placed in a basket and airlifted from the beach.
#Breaking (1/2) A #USCG aircrew from Astoria rescued a dog that had fallen off a cliff in Ecola State Park in #Oregon. The rescue swimmer was deployed and moved the dog into the hoisting basket. The helicopter landed in a parking lot at 4:15 pm to reunite the dog with its owners. pic.twitter.com/HaVVF7uR3y
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) January 2, 2024
The Coast Guard also posted video footage of the helicopter rescue to X, formerly Twitter, stating, “The rescue swimmer was deployed and moved the dog into the hoisting basket. The helicopter landed in a parking lot at 4:15 pm to reunite the dog with its owners.”
By Tuesday, the Coast Guard posted an update from the owner. It read, ”Leo stayed overnight at an emergency vet. He has a few cuts and bruises. All things considered, he is doing good.”
The owner also noted, “We are so thankful he is alive and expected to recover.”
Additional footage from this case can be viewed and downloaded here:https://t.co/jxKbCcaTs8
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) January 3, 2024
Additional footage was later posted displaying the final moments when Leo was brought to his owners.
The GoFundMe organizers also offered another detailed update, noting that Leo was able to go home with detailed care instructions and medication.
They stated, “The staff loved Leo and each one looked forward to their shift to care for him! He was very happy to see his Mom and Dad, jumped up to greet them, and of course, gave them doggie kisses.”
Despite this, Leo’s jaw was reportedly broken in three places and will need to be wired or plated to ensure that it heals properly.
Leo also suffered some broken teeth, one of which needs to be pulled, as well as a split lip in need of stitches.
“All of the staff that have treated Leo are shocked his injuries were not worse, considering the distance he fell,” the update said
It concluded, “We all thank each one of you have donated to help cover Leo’s medical expenses. Your generosity is wonderful and heartwarming.”
As of Thursday morning, the GoFundMe has raised over $10,000, People magazine reported.