The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Community rallies to bring Bella back after firework scare
AFife community has rallied around to bring a muchloved therapy dog back home after it was spooked by fireworks.
Bella, Bell Baxter High S c h o o l ’s therapy dog, caused quite a scare on Thursday night when she ran off in fright in Cupar because of nearby fireworks.
The six-month old Golden Retriever bolted at speed through the fields surrounding the town and many feared the worst.
However, the school’s main message of “Togetherness” could not have been demonstrated be tter as news of her disappearance was shared on social media and word spread rapidly.
Local pet shop owner Fiona Houston, from J and T Rogers, reported 42,000 people had seen her post following the drama, causing many locals to drive around the area and scour the hedgerows trying to locate her.
Pupils from Bell Baxter High also played their part by sharing the news via Snapchat and Instagram, causing dozens of them to take to the streets and fields.
Torches and headlights could be seen all over the town, as well as sniffer dogs and drones being employed, while local search group, All4Paws Fife, also spotted the story and sent experienced dog locator, Sue Forrester, to the scene.
Luckily, the combination of people power and Sue’s invaluable knowledge helped ensure Bella was returned home safe and well despite her ordeal.
Linda Jeffrey, who looks after Bella for the school, commented: “In these dark days of the coronavirus it is easy to feel isolated and alone.
“Last night demonstrated the power of community and the over whelming
support it can offer. I will always be grateful to the hundreds of people who reached out in our moment of need and helped to bring Bella home safely.”
Meanwhile, firefighters dealt with more than 500 bonfires across Scotland on Thursday, with some crews attacked as they responded to incidents.
The Scottish Fire and Resc ue Ser vice ( SFRS) handled 1,193 calls from members of the public b e tw e e n 3.30pm and midnight on November 5.
There were also 13 reported attacks on crews, although there were no reports of any injuries.
Fire crews responded to around 511 bonfires across the country.
Among other incidents they dealt with were a house fire in Motherwell, which started shortly before 8pm, and a blaze on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
Riot police were called out as around 200 youths threw fireworks and bottles in the Larkfield area of Greenock, Inverclyde.
Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, SFRS director of service delivery, praised fire crews but condemned attacks on emergency workers.
He said: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year.
“Our frontline crews, operations control personnel and support staff have shown extreme
dedication over this period, and I would like to pay tribute to their professionalism and resilience.
“I must also thank our partners and indeed communities across Scotland for their continuing support.”
He added: “Attacks on emergency service workers are comp lete ly unacceptable.
“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues, including the police, when they must escort us at the scene.”