Dickson, Tennessee — What began as a quiet afternoon on a Tennessee farm turned into a desperate overnight search when a family dog disappeared near a cliff and was later heard barking roughly 120 feet below the edge.
After spending about 17 hours stranded on a ledge, five-year-old Carl survived a dramatic rescue that his owner and witnesses described as nothing short of a miracle.
Dog Disappears During Farm Visit
Carl’s owner, 65-year-old Scott Grissom, said he had traveled to a friend’s farm about 45 minutes west of Nashville on Aug. 13. The dogs were allowed to roam around the property, explore and splash in a nearby creek.
Later that evening, Grissom and his friend drove toward a lookout point above a cliff on a neighboring farm. It was shortly before 6 p.m. when Grissom realized Carl was no longer with them.
He called for his dog but received no response. Then, he heard something that immediately changed the situation.
Grissom said he could hear Carl barking from somewhere down the side of the cliff. The drop was reportedly around 200 feet straight down, leaving the owner unable to safely reach his beloved pet himself.
Carl Had Fallen About 120 Feet
According to reports, Carl had fallen approximately 120 feet before landing on a ledge.
The five-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo was trapped roughly 100 feet above a steep embankment, creating an extremely dangerous situation for anyone attempting to reach him.
Carl’s ordeal continued through the night. He remained stranded on the ledge for approximately 17 hours before rescuers could safely bring him back up.
For Grissom, the wait was especially painful.
He told reporters that Carl had remained by his side since his wife died five years ago, making the possibility of losing the dog particularly devastating.
“I was heartbroken,” Grissom said. “I was scared to death.”
Firefighters Launch High-Angle Rescue
The City of Dickson Fire Department coordinated with multiple departments to rescue Carl.
Members of the department’s Special Operations Response Team were deployed to the cliff using specialized high-angle rope rescue equipment.
The department explained that mechanical advantage systems allow rescuers to safely lower and raise both rescuers and victims — including animals.
The operation required firefighters to rappel down the cliff to reach Carl while carefully managing the ropes and steep terrain.
Dramatic Video Shows Carl Being Saved
Video captured near the property shows the dangerous rescue unfolding.
Two members of the fire department’s special operations team can be seen descending the cliff using ropes. One rescuer eventually reaches Carl on the small embankment and carefully takes the frightened dog into his arms.
Carl was then placed inside a duffel bag, allowing the rescue team to secure him while they worked together to raise him back toward the top of the cliff.
The operation successfully brought Carl to safety.
Four Tiny Puppies Fighting for Their Lives After Six Were Abandoned Beside a New Haven Dumpster
Photos shared by the fire department show an emotional Grissom reunited with his dog, surrounded by the firefighters who helped save him.
Dog Suffers Only Minor Injuries
Despite falling approximately 120 feet and spending 17 hours stranded, Carl survived with surprisingly limited injuries.
Grissom told that a veterinarian examined Carl and determined that he had suffered only minor injuries. The dog reportedly experienced some stiffness for a couple of days but quickly returned to his normal behavior.
“He’s running around and chasing balls like nothing ever happened,” Grissom said.
For those who witnessed the rescue, Carl’s survival was difficult to believe.
Bert Echols, who captured footage of the operation, summed up the extraordinary outcome simply: “It is a miracle that that dog lived.”
What do you think about Carl’s incredible survival? Would you call it a miracle? Share your thoughts in the comments below.