HUNGTINGTOWN, Md. – A senior Anatolian shepherd named Layla is recovering at home after being rescued from a steep ravine Tuesday morning, July 15, 2025, following an overnight search by her family.
“She went missing Sunday night, and her owners searched everywhere,” said Calvert County Animal Control Officer K. Bell-Bussler. “It wasn’t until the next morning that they spotted her at the bottom of the ravine.”
Bell-Bussler was the first to arrive and immediately climbed down to reach the 140-pound dog.
“She hadn’t had her pain meds, and you could tell she was uncomfortable,” Bell-Bussler said. “She wasn’t able to stand, and the slope was just too steep for her to climb out.”
With help from the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Bell-Bussler placed Layla onto a stretcher, and the team carefully carried her back up the slick hillside.
“It took some coordination, but everyone did a great job working together,” she said. “Layla was calm the whole time—just a really sweet girl.”
Layla is now resting comfortably at home with her family.
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Outstanding! Wonderful people and a wonderful dog who is surely going to get a lotta lovin!