In a heart-stopping rescue operation, the Coast Guard successfully saved a dog named Leo after he fell off a cliff in Oregon's Ecola State Park on New Year's Day. The 3-year-old golden retriever had been enjoying a walk with his owners and their other dog when he darted ahead and tumbled down the 300-foot cliffs. Leo was left stranded on the shore, wedged between the towering cliffs and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

Local fire departments had initially planned to rappel down the cliffs to retrieve the injured dog, but as nightfall approached, the Coast Guard was called in for assistance. The Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, which happened to be in the vicinity, diverted an aircrew to the scene. They arrived at approximately 3 p.m. local time to commence the daring rescue.

In a video shared by the Coast Guard on social media, the helicopter can be seen hovering over the ocean as a rescue swimmer is deployed into the water. Braving the waves, the swimmer traverses to the shore to reach Leo. Once there, the injured dog is carefully placed in a hoisting basket, which is then lifted back into the helicopter with the swimmer.

The helicopter touched down in a nearby parking lot at 4:15 p.m., where Leo's owners anxiously awaited his return. Wrapped in a warm blanket, Leo was joyously reunited with his family, who showered him with affection. The owners also expressed their gratitude towards the rescue swimmer, embracing him tightly in a heartfelt display of appreciation.

The Coast Guard later revealed that Leo's owners had informed them that the dog had spent the night at an emergency vet. Despite suffering a few cuts and bruises, Leo's overall condition was reported to be stable. According to the GoFundMe page set up to cover the dog's veterinary expenses, Leo had been diagnosed with a pneumothorax, which caused breathing difficulties, as well as a broken tooth and jaw, along with various bruises and lacerations. After spending two nights at the hospital, Leo was discharged with detailed instructions for his continued care.

Leo's owners expressed their immense relief that their beloved pet had survived the harrowing ordeal and were optimistic about his recovery. They conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the Coast Guard and all the first responders involved in the rescue mission.

The successful operation was a collaborative effort between the Coast Guard and local fire departments, including Cannon Beach, Nehalem Bay, and Seaside. The Coast Guard shared the heartwarming footage of Leo's reunion with his family, capturing the emotional moment when the dog was safely returned to their care. The video also captured the jubilant reactions of the Coast Guard aircrew, who celebrated the rescue with words of joy and admiration.

Leo's miraculous rescue serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication exhibited by the Coast Guard and other first responders who put their lives on the line to save both human and animal lives. The story of Leo's survival against the odds is a testament to the indomitable spirit of resilience and the power of compassion.