It’s a cliffhanger

HOWTH Head was the scene of a delicate rescue operation last week when a dog became trapped on the side of a cliff.

The drama unfolded around noon last Thursday (April 10) when the Irish Coast Guard Operations centre received a call that Trixie, a one-year-old springer spaniel pup, was trapped on the side of a cliff at Deer Park with the owner unable to retrieve her and bring her to safety.

Fergus Cooney, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, told Northside People:

“While out walking Trixie had managed to run away from her owner and fell down about 10 feet to a narrow ledge.

“Below the ledge was a further 30-feet steep drop to the ground.

“The Coast Guard Cliff Rescue team from Howth was requested to assist. The team set up a cliff rescue and lowered down one of the rescue climbers, Robin Blandford, to the dog.

“Trixie had some initial concerns that this new arrival, dressed in bright clothing and a white helmet, was joining her on the ledge.

“After some gentle talking to an apprehensive Trixie by Blandford, the skilled canine negotiator, with promises of doggy treats below, she slowly warmed to her new Coast Guard friend.

“Trixie was then brought into the comfort of the Coast Guard

‘Doggy Bag’, a very low technical device to stop the dog and rescuer from getting too close on the decent.

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Mr Cooney added:

“Trixie was reunited at the bottom with her delighted owner and the team returned to station.

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