Panicked pup in rescue drama after being swept away by tide
IT was just a short walk to help a nervous dog build up her confidence while being cared for at a boarding kennels.
But little Millie got more than she bargained for when she gave the kennel owner the slip and raced off towards the beach at Cummingston, Moray, on Sunday.
The cockapoo jumped into the sea and spent 45 minutes battling a strong tide as she was swept along the coast.
The distraught kennel owner called in local dog walker Louise Kellas to help.
Mrs Kellas, who lives near Duffus, said: ‘Millie unfortunately got a little bit of a fright and she is a very nervous dog anyway. She ran off.’
The 35-year-old headed to the nearby beach where someone had spotted Millie but before she could get to her the pup jumped in the sea and swam away.
Mrs Kellas raised the alarm and a Coastguard team from nearby Burghead and the Moray Inshore Rescue boat were sent to the scene.
A Coastguard helicopter that was training in the area was also called in to assist and the crew spotted Millie floating towards the village of Hopeman and guided the boat to her.
The exhausted pup was taken ashore and after being checked over by a vet was allowed to return to the kennels.
Mrs Kellas added: ‘The vet was amazed with her recovery. She is very lucky. She has never swum before – what a way to learn.
‘She has been for a walk this morning and is not bothered. You wouldn’t think anything had happened to her now.’