West Vancouver firefighters save a playful black lab after it slips off a cliff while confronting a sea lion in Lighthouse Park.
Black Lab’s Cliffside Adventure Ends Safely
A daring rescue in West Vancouver’s Lighthouse Park turned a heart-stopping moment into a happy ending for a two-year-old black lab named Gus. The curious pup found himself stranded on a cliff ledge after an unexpected encounter with a sea lion.
Rob Travers, Gus’s owner, recounted how the drama unfolded Friday afternoon around 4 p.m. While his wife and son were walking Gus, the dog spotted a sea lion swimming near Juniper Point. What began as a curious bark-off quickly escalated when Gus slipped over the edge of a 40-foot cliff. Fortunately, the adventurous lab landed on a rock shelf roughly 20 feet down.
Quick-Thinking Family Calls for Help
Travers said his son bravely climbed partway down to reassure Gus, but the family soon realized that reaching the dog safely on their own was impossible. Within about 10 minutes of the emergency call, West Vancouver firefighters arrived, ready with ropes and specialized rescue gear.
Assistant Chief Jeremy Calder explained that crews anchored ropes to nearby trees and carefully lowered a firefighter down to Gus. The team secured the pup in a special dog harness and safely lifted him back to solid ground while the sea lion watched from below.
Firefighters Share Safety Tips
The entire rescue wrapped up by 5:30 p.m., leaving the Travers family both relieved and grateful. While sea lion encounters aren’t common, Calder noted that the West Vancouver Fire Department frequently performs cliffside dog rescues, especially in areas like Cypress Falls.
“Pet owners often think they can handle it themselves, but they can get into real danger,” Calder said. “Dogs are surprisingly good at climbing and swimming, but prevention is key.”
He recommends keeping dogs leashed near cliffs, staying clear of unstable riverbanks or rocks after heavy rain, and calling for professional help if a pet gets into trouble.
A Cautionary Tale with a Happy Ending
Travers shared that he has returned to Lighthouse Park with Gus but now keeps a much safer distance from the cliffs. The black lab’s cliffside adventure serves as both a thrilling story and a reminder of how quickly curiosity can turn into danger—but also how skilled rescuers can save the day.
