Family delighted as lifeboat crew rescues lost-dog Runty
Published at 11:12, Thursday, 06 September 2012
WHEN partially-sighted Patterdale terrier Runty ran off on his birthday little did he know he would be rescued by St Bees lifeboat crew nine days later.
The 12-month-old ‘runt’ of the litter had escaped while out walking along the Wagon Road at Kells on August 25.
His owner, Maria Dockray, and her family frantically searched for him, putting up posters and putting flyers through doors. They also placed a missing dog advert in The Whitehaven News.
A week passed and the family had given up hope of finding him alive. Maria said: “We were demented looking for him. We couldn’t sleep and had walked across the beach shouting and using binoculars but there wasn’t any trace of him.’’
However, on Monday afternoon a starved and scared Runty was spotted near the bottom of Saltom Bay cliffs by a young man fishing. He alerted the coastguards who then called St Bees RNLI.
Dick Beddows, St Bees deputy launching authority, said: “The boat, helmed by Ian Wrigley and crewed by Dale Rickerby and Simon Graham, found the dog marooned on a ledge which coastguards couldn’t reach on foot.
“Subsequently, Dale swam ashore and, after a struggle with a very frightened and slightly aggressive dog, managed to calm it down before retrieving it in a casualty pouch and bringing it back to the boat.’’
Dale then recognised Runty from his picture in The Whitehaven News and the little dog soon found himself on his way home to Fleswick Avenue.
“The coastguard came to my house and asked about Runty,’’ Maria said. “I thought he was going to tell me he had died, instead we found out he was alive. It was fantastic.’’
Maria’s mum, Angela Groggins, who said the family had been unable to sleep for worry, said: “We would like to thank the young man who raised the alarm and everyone who helped rescue him. We are very grateful.’’
After being checked by the vet, Runty was given a clean bill of health – apart from a few ticks, irritated skin and worn-down nails on one of his paws.
He was also, understandably, famished, and enjoyed half a chicken as his first meal at home since the incident.
Maria added: “Runty is doing great, he just needs fed all the time!’’
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk
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