First I rescue ..........

............ lambs, now I rescue dogs!!!!

8am this morning and just heading for shower, ding dong goes the door bell. Who the bloody hell is ringing at this time in the morning. Dressing gown back on and I go to the door mumbling to myself.

Two big work guys there with a Border Collie on a makeshift lead, wanting to know if it was my dog. They'd found it a couple of hundred yards along the A69 (Very busy road I live on) and had nearly knocked it down. They were on their way to work in Scotland............ so what could I do but put it one of my barns and try and set about finding it's owner. In the meantime I bought it some wet and some dried dog food which it scoffed once it knew it could trust me.

It did have a very old and worn collar but no details. I put ads in the local shops and a friend got it up on Face Book for me but after several hours, nobody claimed it. Then I thought, 'Hey, it may be chipped' (I'm quick like that you know.... Doh) so I bundled the poor old bugger in the car and took it to the nearest vet ten miles away. Sure enough it was chipped and traced to a farm just across the valley and river from me.

Owner was in and through the vet I agreed to take the dog (now known as 'Taff') to the lady owner, straight away on my way home but when I got there, she was nowhere to be seen, so now Taff is back in the barn and has scoffed another meal.
'
The vet hadn't given me the lady's phone number and couldn't find it when I rang back to get it. As it happened I am acquainted with the lady and much ringing around friends finally got me the number. She wasn't in, so I left message for her and I'm now waiting for her to contact me.

He has, apparently been missing for 2/3 days. Poor old boy.

Believe it or not, been on this all day and have only just sat down for breakfast. Still not had shower either. I must be bloody mad.

Is it me, or is he gorgeous?

Here he is:

Great work Al, benevolence is a rare thing these days. Maybe Liz should consider a knighthood for you.
It is a lovely dog.

my first ever dog was a border collie, so i have soft spot for them

good for you for looking after him

He just wants another spin in the MX-5 Al. lol

Nice looking dog, but I'd let her come for him, you've done your bit to be fair.

Great stuff Al. He's a great looking dog. Good luck with the return.

Just heard from his owner and she is coming to collect him in about half an hour.

At seven years old, he's not as old as I thought and he is her main working dog.

In less than twelve hours I have become attached to the little falla and wil be sorry to see him go.

They really can look so endearing! No wonder somebody in movies once said, "never do a scene with a kid or dog." They are scene-stealers. Hope she comes to claim it soon. Meanwhile, you're the angel in the dog's life.

Thanks Harron.

Taff is back with his owner and master now and he was SO pleased to see her.

Happy end to a long hard day.

Great result Al, I reckon a small part of you hoped he would stay.

You are not wrong Gary.

Even though I have cats, I have recently been thinking hard about getting a small rescue dog.

In fact this little chap is at the Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter right now and it's taking all I have to resist going and adopting him.

Rescue dogs are so greatful. Get one Al, you won't regret it.

Go for it Al, Russels are brilliant!! (don't start keeping chickens though lol)

Oh, there's no shortage of hens up there Gary

He'd probably run a mile from Attila the Hen Shay. He's a viscious little sod he is.

well you know im a big advocate of rescuing pets from shelters

both my two are rescues

And what about the house full of putty tats Al?

Lovely story and an equally wonderful conclusion.