SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – It is not only humans who are rescued by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team (SAR). This past weekend, they were able to rescue a four-legged companion.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at around 10:22 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a day hiker at Cascade Falls, near Emerald Bay. The hiker called to report that his dog “Moscow” had slid over the falls about 200 feet, and although injured, Moscow was thankfully alive at the bottom of the falls.
Moscow’s owner was determined to find a way down the cliff to get to his dog. Given the circumstances and deep concern for safety, SAR members responded to provide aid for Moscow. In partnership with El Dorado Animal Control and the assistance of a drone from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, SAR volunteers responded to the base of the falls. Rescuers were able to locate Moscow who was being attended to by a good Samaritan who was out ice climbing.
Due to the injuries sustained in the fall, Moscow’s ability to move was greatly hindered. Rescuers were able to safely get Moscow out of the slick ice and using a harnessed backpack specifically made for transporting animals, hiked Moscow out to a warm vehicle. Moscow was taken to an emergency vet due to the injuries sustained in the fall, however, is doing well.
