A FAMILY has thanked emergency services for saving the life of their family pet.

After deciding to go for a stroll in the dark on January 28, Jess the black Labrador suffered life-threatening injuries including a broken right leg, fractured jaw, badly bruised pelvis, a split eye and numerous cuts and bruises after being crushed by a car.

The terrifying moment came just after 9pm in Botcherby as Jess decided to extend her last visit to the garden for the night.

Realising she had gone outside, Rebecca Fidler started to panic and started to frantically look for her. The family were devastated to learn of the dog’s fate.

Mrs Fidler said: “Jess is my mum’s dog but she is part of the family, and knowing that she was trapped under the car was terrifying. We didn’t know if she would survive, and it didn’t feel real at the time.

“The police were there helping and directing the traffic while she was trapped and, when the firefighters arrived to lift the car, they were all so calm.

“The vet had to give her some strong painkillers while they rescued her but we didn’t know if she would come round after the medication.”

Jess was saved from underneath the car but was in a great deal of pain.

The vet couldn’t believe she had survived, describing the event as a miracle. Overnight the family needed to keep Jess comfortable ahead of the a series of tests and checks.

Mrs Fidler said: “We didn’t think she would make it through the night but she defied the odds.

“She has had to have major surgery and we were worried about the outcome. It’s been a rollercoaster just waiting to see if she would make it through.”

The surgery came at a cost, but Mrs Fidler said money was no object when it involved someone the family loved so dearly.

Jess is now recovering but requires further surgery to repair her jaw, however she should be able to go for walks by the end of April.

A spokesman for Carlisle East and West Community Fire Station, said: “We helped to get Jess out from under a car. We’re glad to see she is on the mend – give her an extra biscuit from us.”