A German shepherd named Onyx recently survived a fall off a 200ft high cliff and was rescued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Onyx was out hiking with his owner and another dog sibling when the incident occurred.

The area contains numerous steep cliffs that can be dangerous. Everything had been going smoothly for the pack of two dogs and one human until nightfall came. That is when Onyx fell off the cliff. Fortunately, Onyx got stuck on a ledge and did not fall the full way down.

Owner not sure how to reach Onyx.

It must have been a frightening situation for all involved. Onyx’s owner didn’t know what to do when they realized what had happened. They tried their best to console the upset dog but could not figure out a way to reach them. Scaling down the cliff was just too dangerous without the proper equipment. All they could do was try to keep the poor dog from panicking and wait for rescue. Unfortunately, they would have to wait until morning for help to arrive.

Rescuing Onyx.

It wasn’t until daylight hit that the Los Angeles County Sheriff was able to respond to the call. A helicopter was brought in to watch over both the rescuers and Onyx. This was going to be a complicated rescue.

Rescuers scaled down the cliff and were able to retrieve poor Onyx and bring the poor dog to safety. After a very long ordeal, the scared German shepherd would be reunited with their family shortly.

The Twitter account for the Special Enforcement Bureau posted about the rescue.

“Rescue personnel rescue hiker and hiker’s family pet who was stuck on the side of a cliff overnight in Big Tujunga Canyon in the Delta Flats area. Dog and hiker are safe,” The Bureau Tweeted.

#LASD Air Rescue 5 and LASD @MontroseSAR Search and Rescue personnel rescue hiker and hiker’s family pet who was stuck on the side of a cliff overnight in Big Tujunga Canyon in the Delta Flats area. Dog and hiker are safe. pic.twitter.com/ZGmOZyyzno

— SEB (@SEBLASD) February 2, 2022

An emotional reunion.

Poor Onyx had such a scare. Imagine first falling down a large cliff and then being stuck away from your human, your sibling, and your pack for hours with no idea of when help might arrive. Onyx may not have known if he would ever be able to get off the cliff.

After Onyx had been rescued, the LASD posted a video of the dog being reunited with his family.

It truly was a touching moment. Imagine the relief that all involved must have felt. Onyx is clearly emotional during the reunion, crying out after being brought back to his family. He would not stop licking and hugging his family either. He was so grateful to just be near them again. Onyx’s family clearly loves their dog very much.

VOLUME UP ON THIS HAPPY REUNION! This German Shepard was stuck overnight halfway down a 200’ cliff. @LASDHQ @CVLASD @SEBLASD @LASDMurakami @NBCLA @KCBSKCALDesk @KTLAMorningNews @ABC7 @FOXLA
Permission to use pic.twitter.com/hc7sgt50o7

— Mike Leum (@Resqman) February 2, 2022

Everyone is thrilled that Onyx was rescued safely.

Posts about Onyx’s rescue have been going viral online. Those who have been following the story are so relieved that everything turned out okay.

Many people left a comment on social media about the story as well.

“Thank you for saving this pup- yes saving any life is a worthwhile endeavor. That pup was shouting for joy at his rescue !!!!!” wrote one person on Twitter.

“Bless you guys!” wrote another.

“Thank you, Montrose Search & Rescue!!”

Learn more about Onyx’s rescue in the video below.

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Source: Animals Planet/SEBLASD