A Shrewsbury woman has thanked a quick-acting train driver and a vet for saving her dog's life after it escaped and was hit by a locomotive
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Labradoodle Dora escaped from her garden in Shrewsbury on February 10
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The nine-year-old dog ended up on a live railway line and was hit by a moving train but miraculously survived
After spotting her on the tracks, train driver, Charlie Cridland, stopped his train, coaxed Dora onboard, and took her straight to Vets for Pets in Hereford
The first Dora's owner knew of the incident was when the vet called to say she had been brought to them and was recovering from her treatment after she was found running along a railway line
described the shock of learning about her dog’s new habit for exploration
"When I got the call to ask if I was near Hereford or had lost a dog by the railways
I couldn't understand how she had ended up so far away and on a train track," she said
a Transport for Wales train driver and a former British Army dog handler said: "Driving trains
but seeing a dog on the tracks was truly heart stopping
"It was a huge relief when I saw she was okay
but knew she needed some expert help to make sure she could recover for more – slightly more tame – adventures in the future."
Owner Jane credits Charlie's quick actions and the dedicated team at Vets for Pets Hereford
Without his quick actions and the immediate care from the Vets for Pets team
Vets for Pets Hereford played a key part in a remarkable story of kindness
helping a canine explorer named Dora defy all odds and survive an ill-advised adventure on train tracks and 54-mile journey from Shrewsbury to Hereford
The nine-year-old Labradoodle’s story left her owners in awe and incredibly grateful for the quick actions that saved Dora’s life
is keen to use Dora’s recent travels as a reminder to pet owners who live near train tracks to be extra careful
especially with pooches with a love of adventure
"Situations like this can unfold in moments
whether it’s a gap in a fence or an open gate
It’s a good idea to regularly check your garden for potential escape routes
keep your pet's microchip details up to date; without it
reuniting Dora with Jane wouldn't have been possible.”
A spokesperson for Transport for Wales added: “We’re so pleased Charlie was able to step in and help rescue Dora
and we’re delighted to hear she’s made a full recovery
We also want to remind pet owners how important it is never to follow their dog onto the tracks
Our staff are fully trained to handle situations like this safely
Going onto the railway lines is both illegal and extremely dangerous—and could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 or even arrest
The safest thing to do is contact railway staff
who can respond quickly and in the right way.”
playing safely in her garden and sticking to adventures closer to home