Meet Cindy, the dog that fell down a drain

Firefighters face many risks in their job but dog bites don't usually rank among them.

A crew called to free 17-year-old Cindy from a drain where the ageing and rotund pet had become firmly stuck found that one would-be helper had already been bitten by the frightened animal.

So they did the wise thing and veterinary surgeon Nick Hockings, who had the right equipment and technique for the task, was called in to help.

The firefighters received their unusual call at 6.30 on Tuesday morning. They found the white-and-tan Jack Russell with just its head poking from out of a narrow drain near some lock-up garages at Faygate Close, Sidley. It is thought Cindy had been trapped all night. With her safely muzzled, firefighters quickly released her. Initially, Cindy's owners could not be traced so, although unharmed by the ordeal, she was taken to the Greensleeves Night Clinic to await reclaim.

A grateful Theresa Richards said: "We live in Carfax Close. Cindy had been missing since the night before. My husband had been out all night looking for her. I was out at first light and saw the fire engine in the distance and thought 'I wonder what they are doing there...?'

"It was only later that we found out

"Cindy is old and overweight. She doesn't wander far normally. But occasionally she forgets she's old and tries to chase things!

"She was unhurt but quite traumatised when she came home. She needed a lot of cuddles and reassurance. In fact she won't go outside unless we carry her out."