Back at home sweet home (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Back at home sweet home

8:20am Thursday 21st December 2006 in Chard By Matthew Colledge

A CHARD woman was "over the moon" this week at being reunited with her dog after it was saved from drowning.

Last week's News revealed how Border Terrier Scuff was hauled to safety with a broom after falling in a pond on December 6.

He was taken to Laburnum Kennels in Crewkerne after the midnight rescue by dog lover Chris Durie.

Scuff's owner Janet Hall, of Mintons, said she was thrilled to see him reunited with her German Spitz Mickey, which was also found after going missing on the same night.

She said: "I was over the moon.

"It's amazing what Mrs Durie did for Scuff and it was wonderful to get him back.

"We were very relieved and so excited when the dogs were reunited."

Scuff and Mickey escaped after a garden fence blew down in a storm in the early hours of December 3.

Mickey was found later that morning wandering out of Chard towards Combe St Nicholas but Scuff was nowhere to be seen.

Janet, who has seven children, said: "It was a real shock when we woke up that morning and they were gone.

"My two daughters and my son went out looking for them.

"Even in the night some of the children were looking. We never lost hope."

Scuff, who will be four on Christmas Day, was rescued after falling in Mrs Durie's ornamental pond in search of a drink.

Janet realised his whereabouts after her son bought a copy of the News.

She said: "We were a bit shocked when we realised how far he'd gone.

"I'm really grateful to Mrs Durie and to the lady called Suzanne who found Mickey.

"To look at both the dogs you would never think they've been through what they've been through.

"They are both very happy to be reunited and our two cats are happy to see them as well."