No matter how closely people watch over their pets, life still finds ways to throw in a frightening surprise.
That was the case for Layla, a twelve year old Anatolian shepherd, who gave her Maryland family a terrible scare after disappearing from their backyard during a severe thunderstorm.
Somewhere in all that noise and confusion, Layla went over the steep edge of a ravine. With arthritis already making movement difficult, she could not pull herself back up through the slick mud and dense brush.
Stuck below with no easy escape, Layla settled onto a patch of leaves and stayed there quietly, waiting and hoping someone would reach her in time.
Family Searches Through The Night
Layla’s family was overwhelmed with worry when she vanished and began searching the area tirelessly.
Meanwhile, Layla settled into the ravine, resigned to spending the night alone. Though she missed her family deeply, she remained calm. Her thoughts drifted to home and her dog companion, Taz.
The next morning, her family was stunned to find Layla nestled in the leaves at the bottom of the ravine, which looked more like a cliff than a slope.
Relief washed over them as they saw she was alive. Layla, too, was comforted by their presence. She trusted they would find a way to help her.
Knowing her arthritis made climbing impossible, the family contacted Calvert County Animal Services in Maryland.
Animal Control Officer Savannah Bell-Bussler responded immediately, concerned for Layla’s well-being.
“I was just concerned for the dog. I knew she was scared. I felt bad for her. We were trying to comfort her,” Officer Bell-Bussler told The Dodo.
Rescuers Work Together
After evaluating the situation, Officer Bell-Bussler realized she needed additional support and called in the fire department.
To safely lift Layla out of the ravine, she quickly assembled a makeshift harness using rope, several leashes, and a stretcher.
Though soaked and covered in mud, Layla remained composed as the team secured her. She occasionally nibbled at the ropes, expressing her discomfort but never panicking.
Layla Returns Home
With care and coordination, Officer Bell-Bussler and three fire department responders carried Layla up the slope to safety.
April Coleman, deputy director of Calvert County Animal Services, assisted at the scene and then drove Layla home.
“I looked in the rearview mirror, and there was her face just looking out the front windshield,” Coleman told The Dodo.
During the ride, Layla beamed with joy. She was finally safe.
Back at home, her family embraced her tightly, overwhelmed with gratitude. They gave her food, administered her arthritis medication, and bathed her gently.
After a full day of rest and recovery, Layla returned to her usual self, resuming her routine as if nothing had happened.
She enjoys spending time with her family, but her favorite moments are those spent relaxing beside her friend Taz.