Steep learning curve for pooch

Wayward pooch plucked from cliff

A DOG with an insatiable thirst for adventure has found out the hard way not every escapade ends with a wagging tail.

Brush, a six-year-old Airedale Terrier, took off from his King Island home on Sunday morning for one of his usual jaunts around the local area.

Though things took a turn for the worse when Brush fell down a cliff and was wedged behind a tree growing on its face.

Owner Kerry Ansley said Brush was “well known around here for being a wanderer”.

“My neighbour said they spotted a dog on the cliff up the back of their place,” Ms Ansley said.

“A few hours later they said they could hear him yelping.

“We went walking to find him. We could hear him yelping, then he suddenly popped up from behind the bush.

“I don’t know how he did it but he slipped down the cliff and was wedged behind the tree.”

Ms Ansley said she called the King Island SES and local fire brigade, who quickly arrived at the scene to help Brush from his pickle.

“They cleared a path and secured the lines to get down to him,” she said.

“Brush was very excited to see them. It took the crews about 30-45 minutes to get him down.

“We all had a laugh about it. It was a first for everyone.

“I don’t know if they’ve had a call on the island to rescue an animal before (laughs).

“He definitely chose the wrong hill to come home to on.”

Ms Ansley said since returning home safely, Brush had managed to stay out of harm’s way.

“He would have been up there for four or five hours. He’s never gotten into that kind of trouble before.

“Everyone on this side of the island kind of knows him, he goes around visiting a lot of places.

“He’s just very lucky for that branch. I’m hoping it (the incident) has cured him for life. I’m so thankful for the SES and fire brigade. I was delighted when they got him

safely.”

We could hear him yelping, then he suddenly popped up from behind the bush KERRY ANSLEY