For nearly 17 hours, a beloved dog named Carl waited alone on a narrow ledge more than 100 feet down a Tennessee cliff, while his owner feared the companion who had helped him through one of the hardest chapters of his life might never make it home. The 5-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo had vanished after an ordinary evening of swimming, exploring, and playing with other dogs on a Dickson County farm. What followed was a frightening overnight search and an extraordinary rescue effort that brought together drone technology, specialized rope equipment, and firefighters from four departments.
Carl had been visiting a friend’s farm off Timber Ridge Road with his owner, Scott Grissom, on a Thursday evening. The 30-pound dog had spent much of the visit splashing in a creek and running around with other dogs before the group made its way toward a lookout point on the property. When everyone prepared to leave, Grissom suddenly realized Carl was missing. He and the others repeatedly called the dog’s name, hoping he had simply wandered somewhere nearby. After about 10 minutes, they heard a frightening sound coming from below. Grissom realized Carl had somehow gone over the side of the cliff.
Fire officials believe Carl may have slipped near the edge, although no one knows exactly what happened. He eventually came to rest on a narrow ledge roughly 120 feet down the bluff, which stretches approximately 200 feet from the top to Jones Creek below. The terrain made reaching him especially dangerous. Part of the rescue area included a sheer wall roughly 70 feet high, followed by another steep section that also required ropes.
A Long Night of Searching
As darkness settled over the property, Grissom and others continued searching for Carl. Neighbor Bert Echols joined the effort with a drone, flying it over the cliff from around 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Eventually, the drone revealed what everyone desperately hoped to see. Carl was alive and positioned near a small cave on the face of the cliff.
Knowing where Carl was brought some relief, but Grissom still had to endure the night knowing his dog was stranded far below. Carl was alone in an unfamiliar and dangerous place, with no safe way to climb back to his owner.
For Grissom, Carl is far more than a pet. The dog has been his constant companion for five years and became an especially important presence after the death of Grissom’s wife. The pair have shared fishing trips, swimming adventures, and countless ordinary days together. Grissom described Carl simply as his partner and best friend. That bond made the uncertainty of the night even harder. Grissom said he was heartbroken and terrified as he waited for help that could safely reach Carl.
Four Fire Departments Join the Rescue
The following morning, firefighters from the City of Dickson, Ashland City, Charlotte, and Harpeth Ridge fire departments arrived at the property. Members of Dickson Fire’s Special Operations Response Team prepared a high-angle rope rescue system to descend the bluff. The drone footage from the previous night proved invaluable. Fire Marshal Mike Osman said rescuers were able to use the images to identify Carl’s location and carefully plan their route before heading over the edge.
Working on such steep terrain required patience and coordination. Nine first responders ultimately participated in the operation, with additional help from Grissom and the property owner. When rescuers finally reached Carl, they did not have to spend long convincing the frightened dog that help had arrived. According to Osman, Carl jumped directly into the firefighters’ arms.
After spending so many hours stranded on the ledge, the familiar presence of people appeared to bring immediate relief. Rescuers carefully secured Carl inside a duffel bag designed to allow them to safely haul him back up the bluff.
Above them, Grissom could do little but wait. Overcome with emotion, he sat in the back of a side-by-side vehicle on his knees and cried while the firefighters worked below. Then the rescue bag finally appeared at the top. Carl’s head popped out, giving Grissom the sight he had spent the entire night hoping to see. His best friend was back on safe ground.
Firefighters were surprised by how well Carl appeared after his ordeal. Despite spending roughly 17 hours stranded on the cliff, he showed no obvious signs of serious injury. One of Carl’s first priorities after reaching safety was water. He found a cooler containing melted ice water and eagerly began drinking.
For Grissom, the fear of the previous night quickly gave way to overwhelming relief. Osman recalled the emotional reunion, describing an owner in tears of joy and deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring Carl home.
Carl was later taken to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. Grissom said he received medication for pain and was prescribed plenty of rest, but fortunately had not suffered any serious injuries.
The outcome was especially remarkable considering the height of the cliff and the difficult terrain where Carl had spent the night. Lagotto Romagnolos are an Italian breed historically known for truffle hunting, and their energetic, adventurous nature often makes them enthusiastic outdoor companions. Carl’s own adventures, however, will hopefully remain much closer to solid ground in the future.
After hours of searching, worrying, and wondering whether he would see his best friend again, Grissom was finally able to take Carl home. The frightening ordeal ended not with tragedy, but with a reunion made possible by persistence, teamwork, and a group of rescuers willing to descend a dangerous cliff for one stranded dog.
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