Shrewsbury woman thanks quick-thinking train driver for saving dog's life after it was hit by locomotive
A Shrewsbury woman has thanked a quick-acting train driver and a vet for saving her dog's life after it escaped and was hit by a locomotive.
Labradoodle Dora escaped from her garden in Shrewsbury on February 10.
The nine-year-old dog ended up on a live railway line and was hit by a moving train but miraculously survived.
After spotting her on the tracks, train driver, Charlie Cridland, stopped his train, coaxed Dora onboard, and took her straight to Vets for Pets in Hereford, which was along his route, for emergency treatment.
The first Dora's owner knew of the incident was when the vet called to say she had been brought to them and was recovering from her treatment after she was found running along a railway line.
Dora's owner, Jane, described the shock of learning about her dog’s new habit for exploration.
"When I got the call to ask if I was near Hereford or had lost a dog by the railways, my heart sank. I couldn't understand how she had ended up so far away and on a train track," she said.
Charlie Cridland, a Transport for Wales train driver and a former British Army dog handler said: "Driving trains, you learn to expect the unexpected, but seeing a dog on the tracks was truly heart stopping.
"It was a huge relief when I saw she was okay, but knew she needed some expert help to make sure she could recover for more – slightly more tame – adventures in the future."
Owner Jane credits Charlie's quick actions and the dedicated team at Vets for Pets Hereford, led by practice owner Elliot Goodwin, for Dora's recovery. She said: “Charlie saved her life. Without his quick actions and the immediate care from the Vets for Pets team, the outcome could have been devastating."
Vets for Pets Hereford played a key part in a remarkable story of kindness, helping a canine explorer named Dora defy all odds and survive an ill-advised adventure on train tracks and 54-mile journey from Shrewsbury to Hereford. The nine-year-old Labradoodle’s story left her owners in awe and incredibly grateful for the quick actions that saved Dora’s life.
Dr Elliot Goodwin, Veterinary Surgeon and Practice Owner, is keen to use Dora’s recent travels as a reminder to pet owners who live near train tracks to be extra careful, especially with pooches with a love of adventure. "Situations like this can unfold in moments, whether it’s a gap in a fence or an open gate. It’s a good idea to regularly check your garden for potential escape routes. But most importantly, keep your pet's microchip details up to date; without it, reuniting Dora with Jane wouldn't have been possible.”
A spokesperson for Transport for Wales added: “We’re so pleased Charlie was able to step in and help rescue Dora, and we’re delighted to hear she’s made a full recovery. We also want to remind pet owners how important it is never to follow their dog onto the tracks. Our staff are fully trained to handle situations like this safely. Going onto the railway lines is both illegal and extremely dangerous—and could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 or even arrest. The safest thing to do is contact railway staff, who can respond quickly and in the right way.”
Dora is safe and sound back at home, playing safely in her garden and sticking to adventures closer to home.
