Being part of rescue operations is nothing new for members of the NSW Ambulance Service, especially in the Shoalhaven.
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Ambulance personnel are often called upon to help out people or in this case animals stuck in precarious positions.
Just before 9.30am on Monday (March 26) ambulance crews were called to Yurunga Drive, North Nowra after a Husky, which had been missing, was found trapped down a 10 metre cliff, overlooking the Shoalhaven River.
The owners had been searching for their beloved dog, seven-year-old Stella, since she managed to escape from the family home in a nearby street around lunchtime Sunday.
Despite searching surrounding streets the family was unable to find their pet and put out a notification about the missing Husky on social media.
A reply from a member of the public reported hearing a dog crying and whimpering near the cliff face.
An investigation Monday morning found Stella around 10 metres down the 20 metre drop but the question was how did she get there?
Attempts to reach the dog by a extendable ladder failed as the drop was too long.
Rescue paramedic Irwin Burbage kitted up and abseiled down the cliff face to the stranded dog.
Stella was uninjured and it was discovered the rock shelf she was stuck on extended a fair way in each direction.
Fellow paramedic Jason Watson found a path about 20 metres further along the cliff and managed to make it to the same level as Stella, who happily came to his calling.
Placed on a lead, he said Stella virtually led him home but they still had a couple of obstacles, including three five-foot high ledges he had to lift the dog onto.
Stella’s safe return a blessing
Stella’s owners Kelly and Josh Day were relieved their beloved dog had been rescued.
“We are just thankful for everyone who helped and of course the rescuers,” Kelly said.
“We were talking about giving her a wash Sunday morning and she got wind of it and managed to escape out a side gate.
“We drove around for hours trying to find her but unfortunately couldn’t spot her.
“We posted on Shoalhaven Pets Lost and Found and it went off with people sharing it and commenting.
“It was a pretty restless night for us waiting and hoping for some news.
“Eventually Monday we got the message we were hoping for.”
She said the couple’s 11-month-old son Jameson was also delighted to see her home safe and sound.
“He was very happy to see her, as were we,” she said.
“Husky’s don't really bark, they sort of talk to you and asd soon as he heard that he was so excited.
“As was her mother, Heineken, which we also own, when we got her home.”
By Monday afternoon Stella had had a good drink and meal, lots of cuddles and was fast asleep in one of her favourite spots in the backyard.
Despite Stella being lifted back onto safe ground and into the arms of her worried owners, the operation still wasn't over with Watson reaching a section he couldn’t safely make up.
He had to be “roped up” before being able to scramble the last few metres to the top of the cliff.
“It’s just a normal day of operation for us,” Watson said.
“We often get called out to animal rescues and they can often be difficult. This one all went smoothly and Stella is a wonderfully natured dog and certainly made everything easy.
“Even though this wasn’t a life or death situation it was a good training exercise for us.”