Poor little Ella had been staying with friends when she slipped out of her lead during a walk and disappeared into the rocks at Glenelg.
Hidden deep within the breakwater, she remained trapped for five long days – completely out of sight.
Everything changed when a passerby heard a faint bark and raised the alarm.
RSPCA SA, City of Holdfast Bay council, and the MFS all attended and began the painstaking search.
RSPCA Rescue Officer Nalika and Inspector Jock were on the scene throughout the ordeal. Ella was wedged so far down between the rocks that rescuers could often hear her but not see her, and there were real fears that her harness or lead had become caught and pinned her in place.
Using patience, teamwork, and even an audio recording of her owner calling her name, the team slowly narrowed down the tiny pocket of space where she was hiding.
When Ella’s owner arrived – after driving all the way from Port Lincoln – her presence changed everything. Ella was still nervous, but her energy shifted the moment she heard her owner’s voice.
Multiple attempts were made to lure her out, and although she remained cautious, rescuers took comfort knowing she was safe, fed, and above the rising tide.
A trap was set overnight, and the next morning brought the news everyone had been hoping for: Ella had finally been caught safely!
After her rescue, Ella was taken to a nearby vet for the TLC she needed. Exhausted and a kilo lighter, she was thankfully uninjured and finally back where she belonged.
