Cocker spaniel survives two cliff falls and swims a mile to the safety

A cocker spaniel had a lucky escape after twice falling off a cliff and then swimming nearly a mile to the safety of a yacht. The five-year-old pet, called Buddy, was being walked along a coastal path when it chased a rabbit and fell down the 100ft cliff near Studland, Dorset.

It ended up in the sea and as it tried to scramble back up it fell 30ft back into the water.

The dog then changed tactics and paddled out to sea where it was spotted two hours later by a couple in an anchored yacht. The pair took it aboard and gave it water while their own pet dog, also called Buddy, made a fuss of him.



The rescue was finally completed when a passing jet-skier gave the dog a lift back to the beach where he was reunited with his owner, Steve Kingsley, 59.

Mr Kingsley said: "I can't believe he went through all of that and lived to tell the tale, it's a miracle really.

"I only took him out for a quiet walk and yet he managed to trigger this huge scare involving almost everyone on the beach and at sea. He is so lucky. I think I will buy him a lottery ticket this weekend."