Mastiff rescued from Mt Maroon Cliffside

05 Jan 08

Diff, a 65 kg bull mastiff called Diff, was stranded for two nights on a cliffside on Mount Maroon in Mount Barney National Park. After two days of rescue attempts, experienced climber Mark Gamble was able to harness Diff and help him down the mountain in southeast Queensland, Australia.

Diff and his two legged companion Dave set off before midnight on New Year’s Eve in the hope of seeing the year’s first sunrise. But they ended up stranding themselves after trying to retrieve Diff from a steep cliff ledge. When Dave was rescued, Diff was tethered to the cliff, but rescue workers were not able to get to him by helicopter. All attempts were thwarted by heavy rains. Awooo!

Though Diff falling down the cliff is what started their troubles, he is also credited with Dave’s rescue as it was Diff’s barking that alerted the search and rescue team to their whereabouts.

Needless to say Diff’s two legged companion was delighted. But Dave’s delight was overshadowed by other worries raised by Diff’s crisis. Seems that dogs are banned from the Mount Barney National Park. So Dave and Diff face a fine of up to $1,500. Woof!

Dave has vowed no more “adventures” for poor old Diff, who emerged from his cliff adventure with little more than a bump on the head and an empty stomach. He’s one lucky dog! Dave said “I was relieved to have got off the mountain alive. He probably saved our lives out there on (Wednesday) night. He’s a fantastic dog.”

SuperWoof to a Happy Ending!

Awoof! Archie