Missing dog search leads to river rescue

Missing dog: Sham

The search for a missing dog helped save another elderly dog from the River Roch on Saturday (10 June).

Sham, a 14-year-old white and grey Jack Russell terrier with a docked tail, has been missing from her home in Sudden since the evening of 3 June. Her family, friends and even complete strangers have been searching the local area for her ever since.

On Saturday (10 June), her owner, Caroline Sullivan, received a call saying their missing dog had been seen on Mellor Street.

They feared the worst after stopping and asking passers-by when one told them that ‘Sham’ had jumped 10ft off a building fire escape onto an embankment and then into the River Roch at Dane Street.

After hours of searching, including various downstream points, Sham’s owners returned home and received a call from a member of the public who was helping them search and had heard the dog crying near to where she had jumped 10ft into the river to evade capture.

On arrival, two people were in the river and the fire brigade had been called. The fire brigade and water rescue attended to ensure the safety of the two people who had entered the water. The situation was assessed and a brief search carried out in a small section of the river, including a thermal scan.

Unsuccessful, the search was called off.

Later in the evening, a couple who planned to search the river with a drone returned with undeterred members of the public.

Again, a dog was heard crying. Sham’s owners were notified and on their arrival, a white and tan Jack Russell had been rescued from the riverside, where he was stuck, cold, shaking and suffering from shock.

The dog, named Bullseye, was later returned to his worried owners having been missing since the previous night.

The search for Sham potentially saved Bullseye's life, however Sham remains missing.

It is thought that Sham, who is both deaf and partially sighted, may have been taken in by a Rochdale resident who has not yet reported her to the relevant authorities. Her microchip details are fully up-to-date and she has been listed as missing with the microchip company.

A reward is being offered by Sham’s owners for information leading to the recovery of their beloved pet.

Caroline said: “We are amazed at the response we have received from the people of Rochdale and its surrounding areas, complete strangers to us are helping. The support and advice we have had is phenomenal.

"We would never have asked anybody to risk entering the water in the hope of finding Sham, but are glad that it resulted in another missing dog rescue.

"Now we just need to find out what has happened to Sham. We’ve had no joy anywhere as of yet. I’ve been to the dog’s home and spoken to the council in case she’s been picked up deceased. It sounds awful, but I’d rather know.

“We are increasingly concerned for her welfare and desperate for her to return home and have tried every possible avenue. There has been no positively confirmed sighting which leads us to believe that she has been taken in.

“Due to her hearing, she can give a warning snap if approached by surprise and doesn't like to be picked up now she's older. If you spot her please approach slowly and sensitively, if she will allow you to hold her please do so and contact us, if she won't please keep a distance and let her come to you. If it's possible, contain her in an area such as a garden and report, if not, please follow.”

Caroline added: “If Sham has been outside for this time, she is likely to be in survival mode, she will be scared and nervous, her fears are likely to drive her behaviours so please keep this in mind.”

If you find Sham, contact the Rochdale Online Newsdesk and we will put you in contact with Caroline.