Rescuers cross rushing water to save stranded dog in California, video shows

HESPERIA, Calif. -- A few good Samaritans dropped everything to help a dog who was stranded in rough terrain in Hesperia, California and the dramatic rescue was caught on exclusive video.

A hiker spotted the German shepherd stuck on a steep mountainside above rushing water Monday. She tried to coax it down, but it was getting dark and she had no cell service.

She had to retreat for safety and called for help.

Thankfully, folks from Animal Advocacy and Iron Paw Rescue responded around 8 p.m. and managed to make it across the water by anchoring themselves with a cable tied to a truck.

They got to the dog and kept it calm. The video shows them sitting with the animal and giving it food.

However, with the water getting more aggressive, the dog and its rescuers were all stuck on the embankment.

Mark Premasing with Iron Paw Rescue described how treacherous the current got.

"Darn near went under and that caused Aaron to go into the water a lot more so we both kind of freaked out for a second," he said. "Didn't have a life vest on like we should have. We were just more worried about getting to the dog on the other side of the river."

With all of them stuck on the other side, San Bernardino County Fire Department crews had to come out around 11 p.m. First responders were able to bring them back across the fast-moving water using a secured raft.

It remains unclear how the dog ended up on the mountain, or how long it was out there.

Premasing said the dog is now safe, as is everyone else.