Firefighters are known to save cats from trees but freeing a pet pony from a sticky situation proved much more dramatic. Daisy, a Welsh Mountain Pony, was stuck in a deep muddy bog with only her neck and head poking out, before she was eventually rescued.
She had been missing for 36 hours and was getting weaker by the minute when she was finally spotted by search teams who had been unable to use a drone to find her because of high winds. Her owner had spent a day and a half combing Dowrog Common, in Pembrokeshire, South Wales without any luck before enlisting the help of locals to find her.
Eventually Nathan Walton from The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales stumbled on poor Daisy, stuck up past her shoulders and in distress.
They called in St Davids Fire and Rescue service, who along with local farmers teamed up to try and pull her out and eventually, with the help of a digger provided by local Dai Murphy, Daisy was winched to safety.
Amazingly, for a pony who had been stuck in a cold bog for up to 36 hours, she was able to stand within minutes and walked away, not even lame.
Ecologist and TV presenter Dr Sarah Beynon, who runs visitor attraction Dr Beynon's Bug Farm, opposite the common, watched the drama unfold last week: "It was a truly amazing team effort to rescue this little Welsh Mountain pony from an area of quaking bog.
"We wish her a speedy recovery so she can join her conservation-grazing herd to once again help make Dowrog Common a world-renowned home for wildlife."
Relieved owner Judy added: "The amazing St Davids Fire and Rescue and neighbouring farmers were onsite in no time at all and got a strap under her. So many came to help with the rescue, despite knowing it could be a traumatic experience.
"Huge thanks also to Dai – who also rescued our cow Alice from a bog years ago. It is truly humbling being able to pick up the phone and call someone at the end of a busy day."
WAGONY AUNT
Dogs Trust expert Dr Rachel Casey answers your canine conundrums.
I am pregnant and want to prepare my dog for the baby arriving. What should I do?
The arrival of a new baby can leave our doggy friends feeling unsettled: babies sound, look and smell very different. The arrival of a baby will also mean a change in how you interact with your canine pal.
The earlier you prepare them to get baby-ready, the more confident you’ll be in knowing your pooch still feels part of the family when your new bundle of joy comes through the door.
In the months leading up to the birth, start introducing items like highchairs and playmats around your house to allow your dog time to get familiar with tall things baby.
Slowly begin to restrict access to rooms, particularly your baby’s future bedroom. Introducing baby gates will help get your dog used to being separated from you.
It's particularly important to get them used to changes in how you react.
This is especially when he or she is looking for your attention – you don’t want your dog to be jumping up when you come into the house carrying the baby.
Start this by only saying ‘hello’ to your dog when entering once they are calm and have four feet on the floor.
Also introduce a signal that you’re busy, such as teaching a ‘settle’ to prepare for times when you have the baby with you.
Next accustom your dog to you carrying a baby using a life-like doll. Build up to coming into the house with the doll so they learn to be calm as you enter with baby.
Sit with the doll whilst encouraging a settle so your dog also learns to relax when you have the baby with you.
For more information and expert advice, visit dogstrust.org.uk. Do you have a question for Rachel? Email petclub@mirror.co.uk
CATS CORNER
Fireworks are a tradition through the autumn months but for cats, bonfire night can leave them feeling stressed.
If you’re worried about cats and fireworks, here’s a handy guide on keeping your cat relaxed and safe.
Their top tip? Keep your cat indoors after dark.
It’ll reduce the risk of them being spooked. Also, play music. Cats and loud noises don’t necessarily mix and keeping a radio or TV can help mask the sound if your cat gets scared from the sudden noise of fireworks.
But most importantly, stay calm. Instead of overly comforting an anxious cat, keep your cool – your cat is more likely to feel settled if you are.
For more information go to: https://bit.ly/CPFireworksAdvice
PET PIC
Downing Street’s new dog appears to be settling nicely into life at Number 10 – and was even pictured this week with a special Remembrance collar.
Nova is the pet pooch of new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his family who returned to the flat above No10, where they lived a few months back when Mr Sunak was Chancellor under Boris Johnson.
The gorgeous fox red labrador immediately won over staff and acquired a reputation for loving roast chicken and naps in the former Chancellor’s famous red Budget box.
It’s not clear what sort of relationship he has with Downing Street’s chief mouser – Larry the Cat.
Sign up to our People's Pet Awards newsletter for exclusive news and behind the scenes secrets.
