Little Dog Is Saved During Heart-Pounding Rescue After Escape From 13th Floor Window

Jack Russell terriers are tiny pups, yet they're known for their adventurous spirits. So it's not unusual that Ellbie wandered off her own balcony and decided to explore a neighbor's. What's strange is how her expedition ended — with a three-hour rescue and dozens of people watching with bated breath. 

According to Australia's 7News, Ellbie's human came home to their 13th-floor apartment one April day and couldn't find the dog anywhere. He searched the entire apartment, called her name a hundred times, and had absolutely no luck for 48 hours.

Everything changed when someone brought a drone into the mix. A resident in the high-rise heard about Ellbie's fate and planned to use the drone to scour the whole area. What he saw, however, shocked him. Ellbie was still on the 13th floor. She was outside on a neighbor's balcony, trapped between the metal bars and the glass window. Unfortunately, grabbing her was impossible without safety equipment. The pup had to stay in that scary position for a few more hours while the Sydney fire department executed a rescue plan. When Ellbie was finally safely inside the building, a crowd watching from the street burst into applause.

Calling your dog's name and not getting a response is a harrowing moment. When you realize that they're lost, however, some of that fear and panic usually converts into action. Ellbie's family put up posters and shared the terrier's story on social media, both of which are great ways to get help. You can also search local animal shelters and digital lost pet registries. If your dog is microchipped or wearing a collar with your information, a veterinary clinic may find them and reach out.

Sometimes, a dog escapes right in front of you. If your dog runs away while you're together, don't panic, as yelling at the pup may trigger a fear response. Instead, approach calmly with a valuable treat in hand and let your dog see returning to you as the safe and fun option. Repeat escape artists likely need extra training. You can search for a qualified trainer if the issue is severe, or practice recalls in a safe spot at home.