Crime & Safety

'Canine Hero' Rescued After 80-Foot Fall In Santa Cruz County

Blu, a Monterey Bay Search Dogs team member, does his best to save others. But after a scary fall, his people came to the rescue.

Blu, a Golden Retriever fell off an 80-foot cliff.
Blu, a Golden Retriever fell off an 80-foot cliff. (Central Fire Protection District of Santa Cruz County)

SOQUEL, CA — Blu, a search dog, is used to using his sniffer to help save the day, but after Blu fell 80 feet down a cliff Sunday in Santa Cruz County, first responders were quick to pay it forward for the hard-working pup.

The six-year-old Golden Retriever, a member of the Monterey Bay Search Dogs team, was with his owner during a training session at the Olive Springs Quarry when he fell off of a steep cliff, the Central Fire Protection District of Santa Cruz County said Monday.

Crews hiked up a drainage and scaled three waterfalls to find Blu, who had suffered moderate injuries including broken ribs, officials said. He was packaged in a harness and a California Highway Patrol helicopter crew helped fly Blu to safety.

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CFPD wished the "canine hero" a speedy recovery and said officials hope to see Blu in the field soon.

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