Climbing School Hauls Down Dog From 200-Foot Cliff Face
Pisgah Climbing School won a PETA award for the nighttime rescue of a dog stranded on Ramsey Cliff in western North Carolina.
By Ryan Davidson ·
A rock climbing school in western North Carolina saved a dog stranded 200 feet up a crumbling cliff face for three days. The rescue effort on Oct. 19 required a team to work in the dark, navigating loose rock and unstable boulders to reach the frightened animal.
Pisgah Climbing School recently received the Compassionate Business Award from PETA for the operation. The dog’s guardian had attempted to reach the animal earlier but was turned back by the difficult terrain. Karsten Delap, the school’s founder, led a team of three other climbers on the final attempt.
The team hiked half a mile into the remote Ramsey Cliff area before starting the ascent. As night fell, the climbers used headlamps to guide them. Delap described the mission as the most technical dog rescue he has performed in more than 20 years of climbing.
Once the team reached the dog, they used treats to gain its trust. They secured the animal in a harness and lowered it safely to the ground. The dog was reunited with its guardian and is recovering after three days without food or water.
Anna Marie Alewine, a certified climbing instructor at the school, explained that the team relied on their specific training for the task. She noted that they fell back on their skills rather than improvising in the dark. Alewine said, "You don't always rise to the occasion; you fall to your level of training. So our level of training at the climbing school and as rescuers was so high that even though it was dark and nerve-racking, being able to fall to a really high level of training I think helped us stay on task, and ultimately have a successful rescue of the dog."
Ashley Frohnert, senior director of social media and influence at PETA, praised the group for their efforts. She stated, "They went above and beyond to rescue this frightened and terrified dog, so desperate for help, and who would have otherwise lost his life after becoming stranded on this cliff. Pisgah Climbing School has set a terrific example by reminding us to always be ready to help animals whose lives are in danger."
The school received a framed certificate and vegan chocolates for the rescue. Alewine said the award was unexpected for a climbing business but appreciated by the team.
