Jet, a German Shepherd, fell down the 11-metre shaft, located at the top of a hill above Timor Caves camping area, about 10am on Sunday.

Experts were called in to examine the narrow shaft, which had never previously been explored below eight metres.

After a little over four hours of slow and careful progress, Jet emerged from the darkness and was reunited with his relieved owners.

Murrurundi Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) member Hayden Kaney said the happy ending was largely down to the skill and determination of Cave Rescue NSW.

“We did make a first attempt to go down but our equipment and gear was a bit too bulky,” he said.

“So Cave Rescue NSW was called to lend their expert assistance.

“We planned to recommence rescue efforts at first light for safety reasons - the trek to the site up the 800-metre hill was treacherous even in the daylight.

“Despite the rotten weather, [Cave Rescue members] Tina and Al became the first to reach the bottom of this shaft and found Jet tired but comfortable.

“The narrow shaft is not perfectly straight down to its 11-metre depth so he was probably able to check his descent to some degree and avoided any major injury aside from some bumps and grazes.

“After a couple more trips down to the camp site to gather items and equipment, Jet was swaddled like a baby in a large tent bag and gaffer tape to keep him as immobile and compact as possible.

“He was eventually brought to the surface and walked down to the camp site on his own, followed by some very tired and wet rescuers.

“Tina and Al’s skill and fearless determination definitely made this rescue possible within a very respectable time frame and without major excavation or environmental damage.”