Western NC climbing team rescues dog from 200-foot cliff, receives award from PETA
By Ruby Annas
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MACON COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — Pisgah Climbing School is receiving an award from PETA after rescuing a dog from a roughly 200-foot-high cliff.
Pisgah Climbing School founder Karsten Delap and three teammates rescued the dog that had been stranded for three days on the sheer, crumbling cliff near the Appalachian Trail.
The dog’s guardian and several others tried to reach him, but the dangerous rock face forced them back, so Delap’s team hiked half a mile to the Ramsey Cliff area on Oct. 19, PETA said. As darkness fell, the team worked by headlamp in what Delap called “the most technical dog rescue” he’s done in over 20 years.
Once within reach, Delap earned the dog’s trust with treats, secured him in a harness and helped lower him down the cliff. PETA adds that the dog was reunited with its guardian and is recovering after days without food or water.
“This dog was trapped in a terrifying predicament and would have died if not for these climbers’ skill, determination, and compassion,” PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien said in a press release. “PETA encourages everyone to follow their kind example and do everything they can to help an animal in danger.”
PETA said the Compassionate Business Award is on its way in recognition of the rescue, adding that Pisgah Climbing School will receive a framed certificate and vegan chocolates.
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