DAMASCUS, OR (KPTV) - It had been five days since a Damascus family last saw their dog Sampson.

The 5-year-old black lab mix went missing on New Year's Day. Greg Herbst, the dog's owner, said they searched around their property every day, posted fliers and created a Facebook page in hopes someone would see their beloved pet.

On Monday, Damascus Officer Jerry Rippe discussed that Facebook post with the family to see what more could be done to help. That's when a call came across the emergency dispatch radio that the family had been hoping for.

A dog was trapped, but alive, several miles away near Carver.

A man in the area called police to report a dog whimpering in the woods near The Stone Cliff Inn Restaurant.

Rippe responded to the scene and found the dog. It was Sampson.

Sampson was trapped about six feet down a very rocky ravine. Obviously unable to get out on its own, Rippe took off his patrol gear, put on a helmet and knee pads and climbed down the ravine to rescue the dog.

The officer said it appeared the dog had been trapped down there for several days, at least. However, Sampson is still in good spirits and should be OK.

"It feels really good to get the dog back to its owner," Rippe said.