A stray saluki caught after four weeks wandering the streets of Wisbech is making such good progress in his new foster home that today he has been out in the sunshine enjoying a game with fellow rescue dog Monica.
The white and tan saluki, affectionately nicknamed Drifter, is in better condition than rescuers expected and is eating well, having plenty of cuddles and settling well in his temporary home.
Rescuers are still wary of him bolting, however, and they only trust him to be out once he has three leads on - just to be on the safe side.
Shelley Ridgeon, of Ravenswood Pet Rescue, said: “He is doing so well. While on the run he was terrified of humans but now he knows he is safe he is having cuddles, is feeding well and is making really good progress.
“He has had a massive following on Facebook, people have loved his story. It is amazing to see him have a happy ending.
“We were worried he had been hit by a car as somebody thought they had seen a vehicle clip him but a check over has shown he is in good health.
“He is not micro chipped but had a collar on so we have no idea how he came to be running free like he was.“
Lindsay Forrest and Rachel Richardson of rescue group Shaman’s Legacy began hunting for the dog last week after members of the public posted about the stray dog on social media.
Through one of their contacts in Warwickshre they were able to source a trap large enough to catch the dog, and after a Facebook appeal, Manea man Ian Marshall drove to Rugby to collect it,
The trap was set up on land belonging to a Wisbech St Mary villager where the dog had regularly been seen and the device was baited with goodies including chicken, turkey, tuna, bacon. and tripe - it took three attempts, however, before they were successful.
The first time the trap door didn’t close, the second time the dog wriggled out backwards when the door got stuck - then third time lucky it worked.
The saluki was safely inside by about 9.45pm on Wednesday night.
• Monica, who Drifter has enjoyed playing with today, is also looking for a forever home. Monica is a lovely natured three year old Lurcher cross breed who can live with other dogs but not with cats. If you think you can offer her a forever home then visit the Ravenswood Pet Rescue page for details.
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