A BEAUTIFUL summer’s day took a shocking turn for one Annan couple as they walked their dog along the River Annan earlier this month.
Chris and Sue Green’s Labrador, Border Collie and Border Terrier crossbreed Murphy was enjoying his favourite activity, a river walk and a swim when, while fetching sticks, he impaled himself on a submerged branch in the river.
The scene was horrific, Murphy was bleeding from a huge chest wound, he was terrified and going into shock. After a frantic call to Firth Veterinary Centre, vets Rosie and Grace arrived within minutes on the riverbank in a van.
And Murphy was on the operating table less than half an hour after the accident.
Two weeks on from the operation, the seven-year-old crossbreed is making a fine recovery at home, eating and wagging his tail.
Chris and Sue will be forever grateful to the team for their ‘exceptional’ response.
They said: “Their calm professionalism, expertise and rapid response not only reassured us but, we believe, saved Murphy’s life.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council had said they would be removing the branch.
However, the incident has alerted the couple to some of the dangers around the river and, while sometimes accidents can be unavoidable.
They hope other dog walkers will take extra care in the area.
