Post by Paul on Mar 31, 2005 6:54:44 GMT 9.5
Doggy paddler
March 31, 2005
A dog feared dead after being swept into the sea by a freak wave has been found safe and well six weeks later.
Black Labrador Netty is thought to have survived on a diet of rainwater and small mammals after swimming to safety on the Cornish coast.
Her owners, farmers John and Christine Bailye, assumed their beloved pet had drowned after she was swept from the sea wall and sucked underwater off Seaton, on the Rame Peninsula, on February 11 while they were on holiday.
The couple, both 57, spent several days searching for the dog - even consulting the local lifeboat crew about tidal conditions so they could concentrate their search in the right area.
But long after the pair had given up hope of finding Netty alive, the animal was found by postmistress Kim James in the village of Downderry.
The dog had turned up tired and hungry at a neighbour's door, but still wearing her collar with her name and address on it.
When Ms James rang Mr and Mrs Bailye at their farm in Hammerwich, Staffordshire, they expected to be told that Netty's body had been swept ashore.
"We really thought after six weeks that her chances were non-existent," Mrs Bailye said.
"When the phone call came we thought somebody had found her body. We assumed the swell had taken her underneath the water and bashed her against the rocks and boulders along the coast."
The couple drove to Cornwall earlier this week to collect Netty, who was "as pleased as punch" to see her owners.
Mrs Bailye said Netty was thin after her ordeal and still appeared a little nervous, although her coat was immaculate.
"It is absolutely amazing. We are totally gobsmacked," Mr Bailye said.
"It is the most amazing comeback since Lazarus and my wife and I are so happy to have her home.
"She is not the sort of dog you would expect to be able to survive. She chases rabbits but I have never seen her catch one and she is probably better at pilfering dustbins."
PA
March 31, 2005
A dog feared dead after being swept into the sea by a freak wave has been found safe and well six weeks later.
Black Labrador Netty is thought to have survived on a diet of rainwater and small mammals after swimming to safety on the Cornish coast.
Her owners, farmers John and Christine Bailye, assumed their beloved pet had drowned after she was swept from the sea wall and sucked underwater off Seaton, on the Rame Peninsula, on February 11 while they were on holiday.
The couple, both 57, spent several days searching for the dog - even consulting the local lifeboat crew about tidal conditions so they could concentrate their search in the right area.
But long after the pair had given up hope of finding Netty alive, the animal was found by postmistress Kim James in the village of Downderry.
The dog had turned up tired and hungry at a neighbour's door, but still wearing her collar with her name and address on it.
When Ms James rang Mr and Mrs Bailye at their farm in Hammerwich, Staffordshire, they expected to be told that Netty's body had been swept ashore.
"We really thought after six weeks that her chances were non-existent," Mrs Bailye said.
"When the phone call came we thought somebody had found her body. We assumed the swell had taken her underneath the water and bashed her against the rocks and boulders along the coast."
The couple drove to Cornwall earlier this week to collect Netty, who was "as pleased as punch" to see her owners.
Mrs Bailye said Netty was thin after her ordeal and still appeared a little nervous, although her coat was immaculate.
"It is absolutely amazing. We are totally gobsmacked," Mr Bailye said.
"It is the most amazing comeback since Lazarus and my wife and I are so happy to have her home.
"She is not the sort of dog you would expect to be able to survive. She chases rabbits but I have never seen her catch one and she is probably better at pilfering dustbins."
PA
