In a heartwarming turn of events, a dog that has been missing for a week was rescued from a cliff ledge in the Scottish Highlands, having survived solely on rainwater. Loki, a two-year-old cane Corso mastiff, ran off while his owners were setting up camp near Kinlochbervie.
Disappearance Near Sheigra Beach
The trouble began on Sunday, July 7th, when Robert McDonald took his children and Loki to Sheigra Beach, on the western coast of Scotland, for a wild camping trip. While setting up camp around 8 p.m., Loki slipped away with his lead still attached. Despite extensive searching, the family feared the worst, believing Loki had either fallen off a cliff or into the water.
A Miraculous Discovery
A week later, on July 14th, hope was reignited when a passerby heard parking and spotted Loki on a cliff ledge. The Assynt Mountain Rescue Team, alerted by Police Scotland, swiftly mobilized to rescue the stranded dog. Team leader Ben Dyson described the situation as “very unusual.”
“Initially, we were informed that the rescue could be quite challenging due to the steep terrain around the ledge,” Dyson explained. “However, upon arrival, it was determined that the ground wasn’t as steep as it initially appeared.
The Rescue Operation
A small group from the rescue team and Clive —the passerby who found Loki —approached the dog via a less steep route. “Two of our members, along with Clive, managed to get down to Loki using a different path. Over time, they gained his confidence with a bag of dog treats,” Dyson said.
Using a builder’s rubble sack, the team carefully winched Loki, who weighs about 132 pounds, to safety at around midnight. Remarkably, Loki appeared uninjured and in reasonable condition despite his ordeal.
A Family Reunited
Christine McDonald, Robert’s wife and Loki’s owner from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire, expressed her immense relief and gratitude. “It’s a miracle he’s alive,” she told BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland. “Words can’t describe how incredible it was to hear he had been found. We’re absolutely delighted and so thankful for everyone who helped us.”
The Assynt Mountain Rescue Team shared their success on Facebook, noting Loki’s miraculous survival on rainwater alone for 170 hours. The story has touched many hearts, illustrating the dedication and teamwork involved in mountain rescues.
Loki’s survival and rescue are nothing short of extraordinary, demonstrating the resilience of pets and the incredible efforts of rescue teams. The McDonald family’s reunion with Loki exemplifies the hope, perseverance, and collective spirit we all hope to see in our communities.
References:
BBC News: Dog missing for a week rescued from cliff ledge
Assynt Mountain Rescue Team
Visit Scotland: Kinlochbervie
