Heartwarming story out of northern California where a lost dog was spotted on a precarious cliffside perch by some rock climbers and saved thanks to the efforts of multiple agencies.
The black and white pup was found by climbers along the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail where it had somehow found its way onto a rock ledge high on the Pigeon Cliffs.
Rescue crews from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, Susanville Fire Department, and CAL FIRE responded to the scene. A trained rock climber from Susanville FD rappelled down to secure the frightened dog in a rescue blanket and brought him to safety.
The dog nicknamed “Cliff” was taken to a local animal shelter where he is now available for adoption. If you are interested in giving cliff a forever home or know anyone who might be, please contact the Lassen County Animal Shelter with questions/inquiries at (530) 257-9200. Learn more about Cliff below.
Susanville Fire Department Statement:
On February 22, 2025 at approximately 3:39 PM, a 911 call was placed to report a dog on a ledge 20’ below the top of Pigeon Cliffs on HWY 36.
Susan River Fire Protection District and CalFire were dispatched to investigate and ascertain if a rescue could be performed. Susan River responded with 2 chief officers and CalFire responded with 2 engines. It was determined that a rescue could not be performed with personnel and equipment on scene.
A request was made to the Susanville City Fire Department to rescue the dog. Susanville City responded with 1 engine, 1 squad and 1 duty officer. After accessing the scene it was determined that a firefighter would be lowered down to the dog, secure the dog and then be lowered the rest of the way down Pigeon Cliff.
Susanville City Fire assisted CalFire with setting up a rope system and a Susanville City firefighter was lowered over the cliff down to the dog. Once at the dog, the firefighter placed the dog into a rescue device and they were both lowered to the bottom of Pigeon Cliff.
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Department was able to make after hours contact with Lassen Veterinary Hospital and the dog was transported for evaluation. Hospital staff determined the dog was uninjured and was taken to the Lassen County Animal Shelter.
The Susanville City Fire Department would like to thank the Susan River Fire Protection District, CalFire and the Lassen County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in this rescue.
Meet Cinder AKA Cliff Dog: Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler /Adult/ Male
Name: Cinder ‘Cliff Dog’
Age: 1 year 6 months
Altered: Yes
Energy Level: Medium energy
Dog social: Yes, staff will continue to evaluate
Cat Social: Unknown, further evaluations required
Kid Social: Unknown
Adoption fees: $25 donation + cost of license
About:
Cinder – The Legendary ‘Cliff Dog’ Ready for His Forever Home!
Hey there! They call me Cliff Dog, but my real name is Cinder. You might’ve heard my story—I took a tumble off a cliff, and some crazy talented and brave people came together to bring me to safety. Thanks to those amazing heroes, I got a second chance, and now I’m waiting for my next big adventure: finding a family of my own.
The folks at the shelter say I’m famous, but all I really want is a warm bed, belly rubs, and a best friend to call my own. I’m a brave, loyal, and loving pup with a heart as big as the canyon I fell into (whoops!).
Could you be the one to turn my legend into a love story? Come meet me and let’s find out! Please contact the Lassen County Animal Shelter with questions/inquiries at (530) 257-9200.
Additional: If there are dogs already in the home, it is suggested that potential adopters bring them to the shelter to do a meet and greet with the new dog.
