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Rescue dog Rosie alerts owner to a hedgehog trapped in a drain

It was a tricky rescue but the trapped hedgehog called Spike was eventually freed by the RSPCA.

A rescue dog helped save the life of a hedgehog which got stuck down a drain and was unable to free himself.

Rosie, a Cocker Spaniel and Bulldog-cross, became a real-life Lassie when she knew that there was an animal was in trouble in the back garden of the family home in Waverley Avenue, Nuneaton.

She kept going up to owner Lorna Back (31) and then going to the drain from the kitchen sink and wagging her tail.

Lorna, a mum-of-two, then followed the dog and could see what Rosie was trying to show her - a hedgehog which was well and truly stuck.

So she contacted the RSPCA and inspector Herchy Boal, who features on The Dog Rescuers TV show, was called to the tricky rescue on Bank Holiday Monday (August 27).

Herchy said: “The hedgehog, which we have now named Spike, was well and truly stuck. It appears that he had fallen down the drain headfirst and it was impossible for him to get out.

“The hole was very small so I managed to get my hand down but everytime I did Spike naturally curled into a ball to protect himself. I then couldn’t free him as he became too large to fit through the hole.

“I was worried because I knew there was water down the drain and could hear him gurgling. I didn’t want him to drown so I was trying to keep his face away from the water.

“I was struggling to get my hand down to him with my protective gloves so I ended up improvising and even tried using a skipping rope to try lift him up a bit.

“Eventually, after about 45 minutes of trying, I got my hand round him and could feel him relax as I think he was tired and I managed to hoist him to safety.

“It was a relief and it was all thanks to Rosie that he was found in the first place.”

Spike was taken to Birmingham Animal Hospital that day but was in good health and is expected to be returned to the wild in a few days.

Lorna said her and her husband Liam Back and their two children Jacob (8) and Isaac (3) were delighted with Rosie and made sure she was rewarded for her efforts.

Lorna said: “When the hedgehog was out Rosie ran round the garden like a puppy, she seemed very pleased with herself. We made sure she got a big fuss and some doggy treats for her efforts.

“We are just so pleased that Spike survived his ordeal and soon will be released back into the wild.”

To help the charity continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals like please donate by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/give.

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