“We knew if we did not help her, there was not any way that she would be able to free herself.”
Not long ago, a peaceful walk along the Kentucky River Palisades turned into a dramatic rescue mission for one Mercer County, Kentucky, resident. As she strolled near the cliffs, she caught a faint, distressed sound echoing from the other side of the river. Curious, she looked across and noticed a small dot clinging to the steep rock face. After shifting positions to get a clearer view, she realized it wasn’t just a shadow or debris — it was a frightened dog, stranded nearly 100 feet above the ground.
Alarmed, she quickly contacted local authorities. Responders from the fire department, animal control, and Jessamine County Emergency Management rushed to the scene.
“We knew immediately that the dog had no way of escaping on her own,” said Johnny Adams, the director of Jessamine County Emergency Management, in an interview with The Dodo.
The team deployed a drone to survey the precarious location and formulate a safe rescue strategy. They ultimately decided to use a rope and harness setup to lower a rescuer down the sheer cliff.
As the rescuer descended, tension ran high. “There was real concern that the dog might panic and leap in fear,” Adams recalled. “So the rescuer sat calmly nearby, gently calling to her.”
His patience paid off. After a few anxious moments, the dog cautiously approached. The rescuer managed to slip on a muzzle and harness for safety. “She showed no aggression once she realized she was safe,” Adams said.
Once back on solid ground, the exhausted dog collapsed onto the grass, visibly underweight and trembling. Rescuers believed she had been trapped there for several days without food or water.
Fortunately, the dog had a microchip. They scanned it and discovered her name was Bailey — a beloved pet who had been missing for nearly two months. Her family was quickly contacted with the incredible news.
When Bailey was reunited with her owner, it was pure joy. “She ran straight into her mom’s arms, tail wagging, full of affection,” the emergency team shared on Facebook.
The story quickly warmed hearts across the community.
“A heartwarming ending and a testament to the incredible efforts of our local rescue teams,” the department wrote. “We’re grateful for their dedication and proud to see Bailey safe at home again.”