Kendal dog falls 100ft and survives

9:35am Friday 9th May 2008

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A KENDAL WOMAN said she feared the worst when her stone-chasing dog disappeared over a 100ft cliff face at a South Lakeland beauty spot.

But, miraculously, Maisie the Collie-cross escaped unscathed.

The drama unfolded for Louise Tempest, of Kendal, while was walking her three-year pet on the Scout Scar escarpment overlooking the Lyth Valley with friend Trudie Robinson and her son William.

Mrs Tempest knew nothing about the steep drop and had been throwing stones for Maisie to chase when suddenly she ran right over the edge.

"I was frantic. I was searching around for her, and then we saw her right at the bottom of the drop. I thought, she's never going to have survived that, but then I saw she was limping."

Passing fell runner Steve Carr, of Oxenholme, and another man went to the aid of the stricken animal and carried her back up between them. She was frightened and disorientated but uninjured.

Even Mrs Tempest's vet was surprised that Maisie had survived the incident unhurt.

Mrs Tempest said she thinks signs could be put up at the site to warn newcomers to the sheer drop.

For story in full, see the May 9 Westmorland Gazette.