Coastguards rushed to save a pup after it fell 100 feet down the cliff– but 3 hours of rescue ended in a discovery that stunned everyone
Accidents happen unexpectedly, but quick action and teamwork can make all the difference. On Thursday, November 13, 2025, a 2-year-old Collie named Whisp plunged nearly 100 feet down a cliff on a Scottish island, leading to a dramatic rescue operation that lasted hours. However, what surprised the rescuers even more than the steep fall was the dog’s condition after the rescue.
As reported by the New York Post, the dog plunged from a rocky ledge near Heylor in Shetland around 11:10 a.m. HM Coastguard responded quickly, using rope equipment to hoist the dog back up the cliff. The steep terrain made it impossible to reach him from below, so rescuers carefully lifted Whisp over 98 feet to safety. The operation took about three hours, during which the coastguard worked steadily to ensure the pup’s well-being.
Despite the dangerous fall, Whisp was reported as “safe and well” and “remarkably unscathed,” a discovery that stunned everyone and showed just how fortunate the dog had been in such a dangerous situation. Photos from the rescue shared by HM Coastguard on a Facebook post showed Whisp happily posing with the coastguards, tail wagging, clearly delighted to be reunited with his owner.
The coastguard described it as a “happy ending for Whisp,” and the post quickly drew praise online. Many commenters applauded the bravery and skill of the rescuers while expressing relief that the dog was unharmed. Carol Hanson wrote in the comment section, "Awesome work! Can’t imagine the stress that the owner went through." Cairisty Macpherson recounted their personal experience, "Well done, the coastguard, they once rescued my working Collie who had got stuck on a ledge. I was thankful as it was lambing time, and they were quick and professional." Trish Nicholson expressed, "Oh Whisp, you're a lucky pup, bet there's extra cuddles tonight! What a worry, but a great ending." Kerry Larbalestier mentioned, "Whisp is such a lucky boy - what a brilliant team. Well done, everyone."
Beloved canines often find themselves in risky situations, much like in another incident where a pup was found in danger while on vacation with her humans. During a visit to Colorado National Monument, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a young dog stranded more than 100 feet down a cliff. The trouble began when the excited puppy jumped out of the vehicle as soon as the door opened. She ran toward the edge without realizing the danger. Officials later explained that she “didn’t understand the concept of the canyon” and fell over the side, landing on a narrow ledge far below.
Deputy Strauch arrived first and tried using a dog-catching pole, but the height made the tool useless. The Mesa County Search & Rescue team was then called for help. One rescuer was lowered into the canyon on a rope while another team member stayed at the top to pull them back up. After a careful operation, the pup was safely brought back to solid ground. Officials said, “Despite her long fall, the dog was up and walking once her rescuers got her over the ledge.” Her owner rushed her to an emergency vet, and rescuers joked that she had likely used one of her nine lives during the frightening adventure.