El DORADO COUNTY – It’s said that cats have nine lives, but after what happened earlier this week in El Dorado County, one lucky dog might just give that theory a run for its money.

Moscow, a resilient and adventurous pup, is back home safe after surviving an astonishing 200-foot fall off Cascade Falls near Emerald Bay—and it’s all thanks to the quick-thinking members of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, along with a few compassionate bystanders.

On Saturday, a routine hike took a terrifying turn when Moscow’s owner made a frantic 911 call. While exploring the Cascade Falls trail, Moscow apparently lost his footing and slid over the edge of the towering waterfall, plummeting down the icy cliffside, according to the El Dorado County Sheriffs Office. Despite the dramatic fall, Moscow was still alive at the bottom, though clearly injured and unable to move.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, Moscow’s owner was ready to risk the treacherous descent to reach him. But understanding the dangers, relied on emergency responders from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team  who responded and were determined to bring Moscow to safety without putting human lives at risk.

In collaboration with El Dorado County Animal Control and with aerial support from a South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue drone, the search and rescue team worked swiftly to locate the injured pup. When they arrived at the scene, they found that Moscow was not alone. An ice climber, who had been scaling the frozen terrain, had discovered the injured dog and was keeping him warm while waiting for help to arrive.

Rescuers navigated the treacherous, ice-covered landscape and carefully secured Moscow in a specially designed harnessed backpack used for animal extractions. With the pup safely secured, the team made the difficult hike back up the slippery trail, carrying the battered but brave canine to safety. Once out of the rugged terrain, Moscow was immediately transported to an emergency veterinary clinic for evaluation and treatment.

Despite the ordeal, Moscow’s luck held strong—veterinarians determined that while he had sustained injuries from the fall, he was expected to make a full recovery.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office later shared the rescue on social media, celebrating the teamwork and dedication that brought Moscow home.

Photos provided to Folsom Times by El Dorado Country Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue.