Search and rescue dog rescued by CHP crew in Santa Cruz County

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) A Cal Fire search and rescue dog is recovering after falling into a ravine during training Sunday.

The dog, Blu, and his handler were conducting training at a rock quarry in Santa Cruz County when the dog fell about 100 feet into a ravine. He could not be reached by normal rescue methods, so Cal Fire requested the help of CHP Coastal Division Air Operations.

The CHP said a helicopter was already in Monterey County after leaving an ocean rescue call in Carmel.

The helicopter went to the scene and landed at the rock quarry. After reconfiguring and a briefing, the CHP said Blu's handler was lowered into the ravine to put the dog in a rescue harness and get him out.

Blu was taken to his veterinarian. The CHP said he is doing well and only had three fractured ribs.