Report From Great Barr observer 8th October 2010
A GREAT Barr man wants to thank “three brave souls” who saved his dog’s life.
Alan Wellens was distraught when Sam, his dog of 10 years, escaped from the back garden of his Morjon Drive home two weeks ago.
Things got worse for 67-year-old Mr Wellens when he received a call from nearby Scott Veterinary Centre saying 14-year-old Sam had been hit by a vehicle on the Newton Road, outside the Scott Arms pub.
But the outcome could have been much worse had it not been for the efforts of three strangers who saw Sam run off after the accident.
The trio chased a frightened Sam along the Newton Road, over the lights at the Walsall Road junction and up Queslett Road before finally managing to catch him on Sundial Lane.
Mr Wellens said: “I owe the life of my dog to three strangers – and for that I want to say the biggest thanks.
“I was told the three of them chased my dog over the dual carriageway after he was struck by a van. They caught up with Sam and took him to the vets.”
Mr Wellens says the actions of the strangers saved his pet’s life. The dog is recovering well, despite having to have a leg amputated.
“Without their help it might have taken ages to find Sam, and then who knows.
“At the moment he is okay, He has nightmares, and by that I mean he shakes all over when he’s asleep, but apart from that he’s back to his old self.
“These three strangers have helped keep my family together because, as anyone who owns a pet knows, they are a part of the family.
“Whoever helped him, I wouldn’t mind shaking their hand or buying them a pint, that’s for sure.”
Vet Aubrey Morapedi, who helped save Sam, said: “It was lucky those people tracked him down so quickly and that they brought him here.
“Sam wasn’t chipped but we recognised the dog and could contact Mr Wellens and let him know what happened.
“We had to remove the leg due to the injuries but Sam seems to be doing fine and should make a full recovery.”