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 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."
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