Dog owner in warning over reservoir risks
A DOG owner has issued a warning after her much-loved pet required life-saving surgery to injuries he got while paddling in a reservoir.
Lesley Ham had been walking her six-year-old rescue dog, Trevor, at Cowm reservoir near her home in Whitworth, Rochdale.
Lesley, a manager with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, says that after paddling in the water, the large Otterhound-type dog screamed in pain as he returned to her.
He had suffered several severe cuts to his lower left leg. The injuries included a severed tendon and wound across his left foot, which Lesley, 63, believes may have been caused by broken glass.
Emergency surgery at a nearby vets was required to save Trevor’s life as the artery in his leg had been split in two, resulting in massive blood loss.
Lesley, who lives at Crawshaw Farm in Whitworth, said: “He was in the water up to the top of his legs. When he came back to me he screamed – a really loud yelp and cry. He came out of the water and I realised it was more than just a cut pad.”
After help from strangers, including one who used a plastic cord as a tourniquet, Lesley was able to get Trevor to Valley Vets in Rochdale. She said: “I want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped.
“He’s on the mend but any event like this shows how fragile life is. I want others who take their dogs up there to be careful.”
The land, off Back Cowm Lane, is owned by United Utilities , who have warned that reservoirs are not suitable for pets, following the incident on May 23.
A spokesperson added: “We’re sorry to hear about this incident which must have been upsetting for the dog’s owner.”