My Really Poorly Leg

Had plaster cast checked and the big bandage has been removed from back leg with just the pins dressed because they are quite sharp.

Youv'e got to feel sorry for me looking like this

Appointment at the Vets. General Anaesthetic for x-rays and plaster casts

What a carry on just to go to the toilet. Can't get the dressings wet you see, but can't really stand up either. I think the expression says it all....

Had operation on back leg. It is all screwed and plated together and vet is hoping its done the trick. Front paw is in bandage still and I have to go back on Thursday to get a plaster cast on and check back leg is still ok.

Have also found fame. Am in the Sunderland and Shields papers and on Tyne Tees news. Didn't realise I'd fallen so far down (45ft). Been really lucky I suppose.


Only trouble with fame is everyone wants to stop and talk to me now so it takes ages to get anywhere. Get the VIP treatment at the PDSA though!

Puppy survives 45ft fall over cliff edge

A PLAYFUL pup has escaped death after plunging from cliff tops.

Five-month-old Darcy, pictured moments before the accident, was out with owner Pauline Dodds near Souter lighthouse, in Whitburn, when she fell 45ft on to rocks below, at about 10.15am, on Sunday.

The Patterdale Terrier broke her front paw and back leg. She was taken to the vets and may need her back leg amputated.

Darcy had been playing with Mrs Dodd's grandchildren and their friends, who had been throwing stones, when it is thought she chased a stone, which had gone over the cliff edge.

Mrs Dodds, from The Drive in Washington, said: "We were just coming away and I had knelt down to pick up my youngest grandson, when one of the children said the dog's disappeared. When I asked where, he just pointed over to the cliffs."

In shock and fearing the worst the 48-year-old ran towards the spot where her dog was last seen.

But unable to see where the rocks ended because of long grass she took to her knees and felt her way to the cliff edge.

She peered over the edge and saw the puppy lying helpless on the rocks below. Calling for help, her son Michael, 29, made his way down to the dog while Mrs Dodds dialled 999.

Police arrived, followed by the Coastguard who retrieved Darcy.

"I just rang 999 as I didn't know who to call," said Mrs Dodds. "The police turned up and they phoned the coastguard – they were marvellous.

"The RSPCA also came out to check her and took her to the vets. The height she fell from I can't believe she survived it."

Coastguard Rescue Officer Neil Mearns said: "We received a report a dog had fallen from cliffs. Because it was low water Sunderland coastguard was able to gain access through the beach.

"The dog was calm when we got there but obviously distressed. Dog walkers need to ensure they keep their dogs on a lead at all times no matter how well trained they are."

The Day After

This is me the day after my operation and my first day home. Tyne Tees TV came to do an interview because I am a happy ending story.

Spent the night at the vets all on my own, no mam to cuddle up to. Really missing her :(. Had to have a drip put in one paw and my other paw is broken. My back leg is really badly damaged as well.

Mam came and collected me with Michael to go to PDSA Sunderland for my operation. Although mam did her best, the roads were very bumpy and I couldn't help but whimper. Once there I had to have an operation on my back leg. Mam was crying again but what could I do? When I get better and get back home will give lots of cuddles xxx

Today we went for a walk with the kiddie winkles along the coast path to Souter Lighthouse at Whitburn, Sunderland. More kiddies the better as far as I'm concerned because plenty of stones to chase. Quite getting to like the sea now though wasn't too sure at first with all that moving water. Tastes a bit funny too!!!

Had a bit explore in the caves, chased some stones, did a bit running in and out of the sea, chased some stones, ran round with the kiddies, chased some stones. Get the picture? Fun for me anyway.

Unfortunately what happened next wasn't so much fun ..........

Chasing stones and all of a sudden the ground disappeared from underneath me and next thing I know I'm flying! What a landing. Saw mum looking over the top down at me but couldn't move. Could only shout up and let her know I was okish.

First to get to me was my pal Rocky's dad, Michael and a mate of his. The Coastguard rescued me and took me back to the top and the RSPCA took me to the vet's. Mum was crying and I did my best to reassure her but I know she won't be ok until I'm ok.

Will let you how I get on when I get back from the vets .....

Appleby River Eden

My kiddles. It's so much fun when they come with us.

Daniel is trying to lead Chip but Chip isn't too sure he wants to go!