Dog rescued by fire crews, emergency workers after precarious cliff fall in New York’s Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area

PUTNAM COUNTY, New York — Firefighters coordinated the rescue of a dog that had fallen down a sheer cliff face and become trapped on a tiny rock inches from the rushing Quaker Brook waterfall in Patterson, New York.

On Sunday morning, the Patterson Fire Department learned of the trapped dog, Rudy, who had plummeted 15 feet onto the slick crevice, narrowly avoiding the roaring falls.

With the water flow at its seasonal high mark, 14-month-old Rudy was in an extremely precarious situation.

Aware of poor conditions and the mile-long icy trek that awaited them, Patterson rescue workers arrived to the park with a utility task vehicle (UTV).

The Putnam County Technical Rescue Team assisted with their UTV’s, bringing specialized rope rescue equipment.

The Putnam Lake FD and Brewster FD also helped in the rescue mission.

Several firefighters walked downstream, preparing for the possibility that Rudy may fall into the water and be swept away.

Patterson Fire Department Captain Greco was carefully lowered down the cliff on a rope.

After over two hours of being stuck on a tiny, cold and wet ledge, Rudy jumped eagerly into Captain Greco’s lap.

The two were hauled back up the cliff to safety, none the worse for the ordeal.

Rudy was miraculously unharmed.