When a dog named Moscow fell about 200 feet down a waterfall at Cascade Falls near Emerald Bay, it set off a dramatic rescue mission. Despite the terrifying fall, Moscow survived, and his owner — desperate to save him — called for help. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, who shared the story on Facebook, acted quickly and worked relentlessly to rescue the brave dog and reunite him with his owner.
Dramatic rescue mission saves dog stuck at the bottom of waterfall
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, alongside El Dorado Animal Control and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, quickly sprang into action to save Moscow. The owner tried to reach his dog, but professionals took the lead in the rescue due to safety concerns. Using a drone, the team located Moscow at the base of the falls, where an ice climber, who was luckily nearby, was already helping the stranded pup.
Moscow was found unable to move due to injuries from the fall, but the rescue team acted quickly and with precision. Using a specialized harnessed backpack designed for animal transport, they carefully lifted Moscow from the icy terrain and made their way to a waiting vehicle. Throughout the rescue, they prioritized the dog’s safety and comfort. Authorities then took Moscow to an emergency veterinary clinic, where he received the care he needed for his injuries.
Kristien Van Vlasselaer, a member of Moscow’s family, expressed deep gratitude for the rescue team’s dedication and expertise. “We can’t say thank you enough to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office for their unbelievable effort to get him back to us! So grateful for the additional time with him, he’s the very best boy…,” Van Vlasselaer commented under the Facebook post. She also shared that Moscow, now lovingly called their “miracle pup,” suffered a few broken bones and lost some molars, but thankfully, he won’t require surgery.
