A heartwarming rescue unfolded in San Francisco after a pet dog fell from a steep oceanside bluff and was saved by firefighters. According to officials, the brown and white dog had been playing with another canine on Tuesday at Fort Funston — a scenic coastal park known for its dramatic cliffs that can drop as much as 200 feet to the beach below — when it lost its footing on slippery vegetation and tumbled down the cliffside.

The frightened animal managed to cling to a narrow ledge roughly 40 feet from the top, where it remained for more than 20 minutes before help arrived. A San Francisco police drone operator who happened to be nearby picked up the emergency call, located the stranded pet from above, and guided firefighters to its exact position.

A specialized rescue team from the San Francisco Fire Department quickly deployed, with one firefighter rappelling down the sandy cliff to reach the dog. Once secured in a harness, the rescuer held onto the 40-pound pup as both were safely lifted back to the top.

“He was happy. He knew he got rescued. He was wagging his tail and giving everyone kisses,” said Rescue Captain Samuel Menchaca.

After the dramatic but successful operation, the dog was joyfully reunited with its relieved owner.