A Springer Spaniel puppy was saved by Moffat Mountain Rescue Team after falling more than 300 feet down a waterfall.
Fifteen-month-old Louis slipped his lead on the path above the scenic Grey Mare’s Tail on Wednesday.
And he then plunged down a steep slope and landed on a ledge with a precarious drop below him.
His worried owners, Helen and David McKean, raised the alarm after losing sight of him.
Moffat Mountain Rescue Team members arrived on the scene to save the day after being called into action at 1pm by police.
And after a five-hour operation they found and rescued the scared pup which was hauled to safety in a rucksack.
Helen, who lives near Hamilton, told the Standard: “We had gone for some fresh air and exercise but it turned into a nightmare. This was his first time going up a hill and its definitely his last. We’ll be sticking to the flat from now on.
“Louis is doing absolutely fine and it is a miracle he wasn’t injured other than a scraped knee. It is my husband and I who are still in shock.
“It was absolutely awful. We were sitting on a bit of grass adjacent to the waterfall and he slipped the lead. He ran around with his head low sniffing the ground and within minutes was gone.”
She is grateful to four young boys who tried to find him and a woman who also tried to help.
Helen said: “They were really lovely to try to help us and so were the police when we raised the alarm.
“But, more than anything, we cannot thank enough the Moffat Mountain Rescue Team who were absolutely amazing. Without their help we would never have got Louis back.
“He has been getting plenty of hugs and kisses.”
On arrival, the rescue team sent members to each side of the waterfall in a bid to find Louis.
Spokesman James Coles said: “The team could hear him whining but he was very difficult to locate. After about 45 minutes of searching he was spotted on a small ledge having fallen over 300 feet.”
And the team had to act quickly when they saw that there was still another 300ft vertical drop below Louis.
They lowered a rescuer down to save the very frightened dog.
James said: “It took some time to calm Louis down and coax him into a rucksack.
He added: “All in all, it was a very satisfying day’s rescue for the team who wish Louis well and hope he got a good supper.”
