Dog Survives Fall From 200-Foot Cliff

BONNEVILLE, Ore. (AP) — A volunteer team has rescued a dog that fell off a 200-foot cliff in the Columbia River Gorge.

Dog owner Michelle Simmons says her young Labradoodle named Gracie was part of a large hiking group on Sunday. Gracie and another dog were playing on a trail and Gracie went over the side of the cliff.

KPTV reports (http://is.gd/qQdJAi) that Simmons says they heard the dog rolling, heard her hit the ground and yelp — then nothing. They thought she was dead and after notifying authorities they began an impromptu memorial service. That's when another hiker came rushing up, saying the dog was alive.

The Oregon Humane Society's volunteer technical rescue team responded. One member was lowered down to Gracie and fitted her with a harness early Monday, then she was brought to safety.

The dog suffered only scratches and bruises in her fall off a steep trail near Punchbowl Falls.

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