Several dog experts have come up with a theory as to why Nicola Bulley's dog was found running near a bench at the river.
Mortgage advisor Nicola Bulley has been missing for two weeks. The mum-of-two was last seen on January 27 when she had taken her dog Willow out for a walk after the school run.
Her phone was found on a nearby bench, still logged into a work call, and Willow's dog lead and harness nearby. Willow was found running nearby alone and "dry".
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The Daily Star exclusively reported why Nicola's dog Willow was found where she was after seeking out expert opinions. Kimberly Freeman from City Sit Stay, said spaniels are "very smart and very loyal dogs".
Speaking to the Daily Star she said: "I know there’s some speculation as to the dog being in distress in the water. They’re generally bred to swim quite well, a lot of dogs can swim naturally but spaniels are especially good swimmers, given what they’re raised to do and bred to do.
"Because they are so loyal to their owners, if there was some kind of distress going on they would be very panicked and probably try and help as best they can. If they weren’t able to, there would be a lot of pacing around, vocalising as well, and if there were other people around they would try to get that person’s attention."
Animal behaviour and training consultant Nina Bondarenko, said Willow's pacing was linked to "flushing behaviour" as spaniels are "bred for hunt and retrieve." When asked about why Willow stayed near the bench, Nina said it sounded like the dog "wasn't sure what to do".
Jose Ros, from London Puppy Classes, said Willow's behaviour was likely linked to "distress" as he told the Daily Star: "If the dog was found pacing up and down, probably the dog was just anxious as the owner disappeared. Unfortunately, the dog is not able to tell the police what happened."
Two weeks on from Nicola's disappearance, emergency services continue to search for the missing mum-of-two. Expert divers have been searching the area but the investigation continues.
Peter Faulding, an expert diver, previously said: "We’ve done our job and we’ve cleared the areas that we were tasked with by Lancashire Police and we are happy that there is nothing in that water." However, Mr Faulding emphasised that does not mean Nicola did not go into the water, with different search teams expanding out towards the estuary and sea at Morecambe.
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