SILVER CREEK — A dog was returned home safely thanks to the efforts of firefighters in Silver Creek and Forestville earlier this week.

Tuesday evening at approximately 6:35 p.m., the Silver Creek Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call on Hanover Road to attempt the rescue of a dog stranded near a cliff.

On the scene, the owner of the dog provided a description of its appearance and surroundings. The Department’s high angle team prepared for a rappelling operation. The Forestville Fire Department also responded to the scene to provide assistance.

The creek was accessed from Burgess Street to locate the dog, but because of the darkness coupled with the steep cliff, the crew was unable to see the dog. When calling her name, the dog’s response assured the crew that they were in the right place.

Once entering the creek bed, firefighters from Silver Creek and Forestville spotted the dog. She was stuck approximately 30 feet down and 150 feet from the creek bed.

While access was being made by Forestville ATV, Silver Creek’s high angle team prepared for a rescue. One firefighter rappelled down and was able to get the dog secure in a harness. Once secured, the firefighter finished the 150 foot descent to the creek bed where Forestville firefighters met them in cold water suits in the creek to help remove the dog.

The dog was uninjured and returned safely to her owner just over an hour after firefighters first arrived on the scene. The owner followed up with firefighters to share that the dog was running around the house unfazed after returning home.

The Silver Creek Volunteer Fire Department said in a social media post, “Teamwork, training, and proper equipment prevailed and another job well done!”