Percy pitches up safely (From Gazette & Herald)

Percy pitches up safely

12:00pm Wednesday 7th January 2009 in News By Gazette Reporter

A RYEDALE family’s distress at losing a two-year-old miniature wire-haired dachshund turned to joy on New Year’s Eve when he was found safe and well.

Percy, who disappearance was reported in last week’s Gazette & Herald, went missing after being taken for a Christmas Day walk at Easthorpe, near Castle Howard. In spite of many hours of searching in wintry conditions, the Long family could find no trace of him.

Sophie Long said Percy, who belongs to her mother who lives in Hampshire, had been spotted in a wood near the Castle Howard estate office not far from where he was last seen.

But he was finally picked up after surviving six days and five nights in the cold conditions when a couple out walking saw him and raised the alarm.

His owner’s name was on an identity disc, enabling the couple to make contact with her.

Mrs Long said: “Apart from a very scratched and sore tummy he seems to have suffered no ill effects and had obviously managed to find food for himself.”

She said Percy had been staying with the family at Main Street, Amotherby, but would not have been familiar with the Easthorpe area. “We are so grateful that he has been returned safe and well,” said Mrs Long.