LOST & HOUND Saved by rescue dog

A TERRIER cross went from rescue dog to rescuer after finding a missing pooch while out on a walk.

Five-year-old Smudge sniffed out Teddy, a small black crossbreed who was hiding in bushes near his home.

Teddy’s owners had lost him several days before while on holiday and had returned home distraught without him.

Smudge’s owner Gary Jones, of Deal, Kent, said: “Smudge and I were walking on farmland when he disappeared into a bush. He refused to move until I investigated. I checked the dog’s collar, which had its owner’s number.

“He was very dirty, covered in shrubbery and dehydrated. I picked Teddy up, took him home and waited for his family to collect him.”

Teddy’s owner Diane Creaven, of Bristol, had been walking him along the Kent coast when he was spooked by two dogs and ran off.

Her family launched a OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 16 years of experience and is a freelance working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ PetplanUK. Facebook campaign and distributed posters. Hundreds of well- wishers helped and some even went out searching – but to no avail.

Diane said: “After assuming the worst we were shocked and immensely relieved when we received the phone call from Gary. Teddy was so happy to see us. He just ran around and around.

“The kindness of strangers completely blew me away. We had people printing missing posters. We can’t thank the community enough.” Facebook fans even sent Smudge treats as a reward for his efforts. Gary, who took Smudge from the Dogs Trust in Canterbury last year, said: “When we first adopted him his tough start in life meant that he needed s upport t o boost his socialisation skills with dogs and new people. “We’re so chuffed with the lovely dog he’s become. “We can now confidently walk him off-lead as he’s great with four and twolegged friends alike.” MY cat’s breath smells bad. I tried to check her teeth but she won’t let me touch her mouth as she can be quite fussy about being handled. What should I do?

Chuffed