Puppies stranded for days on B.C. cliff rescued after woman sounds alarm

MISSION — Two St. Bernard-cross puppies rescued on Sunday after being stranded for days on a cliff east of Vancouver are “bouncy” and “adorable,” a British Columbia SPCA official said.

Krista Shaw, the interim manager of the SPCA shelter in Maple Ridge, said the pups snuggled right in after spending about four days stranded on the cliffside.

“I think they were very happy to have been inside last night,” she said of the 16-week-old female puppies now named Duchess and Francine.

The puppies were picked up Sunday by members of Mission Search and Rescue.

Emma Wilfert sparked the search in a rural part of Mission after hearing the pups howling for several days in the bush behind her home.

Searchers were uncertain of what they would find, but said the enthusiastic puppies rolled into their outstretched jackets and curled up while they were carried to safety.

Veterinarian Adrian Walton examined the hungry pair and declared them in good shape. He noted the dogs’ nails had been trimmed, suggesting recent human care. “They’re technically wolves and they can go a prolonged period of time without food,” Walton said.

Wilfert said efforts had been made to find the owner, but without success. If the pups are not claimed, they will be put up for adoption.