A much-loved dog from Letterkenny has made it home after an incredible rescue.
Shep, the three-year-old Collie, went missing on Halloween night after being spooked by fireworks. The rescue dog was so frightened that he jumped a 6’7″ fence and ran from his home at Calhame, Mountain Top.
Shep’s owners knew that he was the type of dog to find his way home, so when he didn’t turn up, they became seriously worried.
After an extensive three-day search, Shep’s owner Sinead Trearty spotted him by chance, just one kilometre from home.
Shep was found stuck at the far side of a deep reservoir at a local quarry. He had injured his back leg and couldn’t swim across.
Sinead tells Donegal Daily it was a miracle that she thought to check the area, and that she spotted him so far away.
“It was a glance in a split second. I just saw his side profile,” she said.
Experienced kayaker Brian Ward, who also volunteers with Donegal Mountain Rescue, rushed to help the family. He kayaked over to Shep and carefully brought him back to his relieved owners.
Brian Ward brings Shep to safety
Shep was taken to the vet and given all the treatment he needed.
“He has a fractured tibia and is in shock but so glad to be home,” Sinead said.
Little Shep is being adorned with cuddles this evening, happy to be home and safe from the cold.
“Thank God he’s not out there suffering,” said Sinead.
Sinead and her family have issued a massive thank you to Brian Ward for his heroic efforts and to all who helped today. They have expressed sincere gratitude to every single person who helped on social media and helped search for Shep.
“I would like to thank every single person who has looked for him in any way, shared posts, messaged, rang, prayed and gave moral support. I truly am so so so grateful for your kindness, time and concern,” Sinead said.
Welcome home Shep!
Watch the rescue across the reservoir here:
