A Georgia hunting dog's exuberance almost cost him his life recently: Like any good hog hunting dog, the pup was chasing wild swine through woods in Elbert County, Georgia, when the hogs went straight over an 85-foot cliff into a quarry—and the dog went right over the ledge after them.
Miraculously, the dog survived the fall and it's owner was close by. When the owner couldn't reach his hunting dog himself, he called 911 for assistance. He let them know that his dog was alive but injured, according to the County Facebook page.
First responders from Elbert County Fire, the Sheriff's Department, and EMA came to help retrieve the pup. With ropes, ladders—and a lack of a fear of heights—the responders made their way 85-feet down to the dog, getting him up and out of the quarry and back to safety with his waiting owner.
The whole operation took about an hour for the first responders to complete.
Elbert County Emergency Services
Officials said the dog did not have any external injuries, and the hogs were nowhere to be found. Elbert County Emergency Services assistant director Beth Seymour told McClatchy News, "I guess it was just a lucky day for him." They believe that the dog fell on top of the pigs, which is why he was alive and uninjured. Seymour told the outlet that they assume the pigs died since they were not seen at any point during the rescue.
The county has over 45 different quarries, though many of them are no longer operational. Commenters on Elbert County Emergency Services Facebook page wondered why this area was not closed off. However, others from the area pointed out that the quarries have fences surrounding them to ensure people's and pets safety. The hunting dog must have found an open spot or a weak portion of the fence.
Hunting dogs have a one track mind and are pretty determined once they lock onto a scent. The phrase describing single-minded behavior goes "dog with a bone" for a reason!
Seymour said, if you are not familiar with quarries it's best to "stay away from them" so you and your pets don't get hurt.
READ MORE: 10 Best States for Hog Hunting
