Passers-by scramble to save dog

The dog’s cries could be heard Tuesday morning near Spokane City Hall, but where was it? Not in Riverfront Park. Not on a street. Not in a nearby car.

Only keen eyes could see the shaggy German shepherd mix under the north end of the Post Street Bridge, perched atop a basalt outcropping, about 15 feet above the Spokane River.

Trapped just 30 yards above the spillway for Avista’s lower falls dam, the panicked pooch nearly worked itself into a frenzy.

A parking enforcement officer called for a rescue about 11 a.m. after a passer-by told him about the dog.

SpokAnimal Officer Mike Thames and Spokane police Officer Dan Cole responded, as did passer-by Donald Trout. They scrambled down the hillside and over the rocks to the dog, which was unable to jump or climb up to them.

Thames attached a leash to the year-old dog. Then, with Cole’s and Trout’s assistance, he lifted it to safety.

The dog couldn’t restrain its joy, yelping and wagging its tail furiously before shaking itself dry and pausing to lick its belly.

“She’s a good girl,” said Thames, before it was pointed out the dog was a boy.

“Maybe that’s why he wouldn’t come when I was calling,” Thames joked.

How the young dog ended up stranded on the rocks is a mystery.

Cole speculated the dog may have slipped off a path. Swimming to the spot under the bridge would have been an amazing feat.

The dog had no collar and no microchip. He will be held for 72 hours in case his owner shows up before becoming available for adoption.

In those moments Tuesday morning, though, he had what he needed: the benefit of those who believe “man’s best friend” is a two-way street.