Buttons rescued after four day chase
Warwick District Council’s dog warden won a race against time to save the life of a dog who had fled from his home whilst suffering life-threatening injuries.
Buttons had escaped whilst wearing a flea collar. Somehow this had become trapped in his mouth and stuck with a rapidly spreading infection being the result. There were various sightings of Buttons, whose face was so grotesquely swollen that he was mistaken for a pit bull terrier, as he made his way from one side of Warwick to the other.
Despite the fearsome reputation of the breed, Buttons was frightened, made worse by the pain from the infection, and would run away from humans. Despite tracking him and offering titbits, dog warden Vikki Timms could not get close enough to take the collar off Buttons and get him to a vet for the treatment that was becoming increasingly essential.
Finally, Vikki received a call from a business at Warwick Technology Park reporting a dog fitting Buttons’ description. Upon turning up, Vicki could not get Buttons to come close enough to let her help him and, with time running out to save the dog’s life, she played her trump card.
A trap was left, which would allow Buttons to walk in and then would safely close behind him. In that, Vikki left hot chicken titbits covered in a spicy barbecue sauce!
And, unsurprisingly, the following morning Buttons was in the trap having feasted on the treats overnight. Vikki was able to take him to the Animal House on Coten End where he was treated for the terrible injuries the flea collar had caused. Now on the mend, Buttons is none the worse for his ordeal and is spending evenings at Anumal House staff to prepare him for living in a family home. Vikki says:
“I am so pleased he could not resist the chicken because that enabled us to help him. I don’t doubt he would have died had we not been able to capture him and get him veterinary treatment quickly. Amazingly, after all he has been through, Buttons remains a sweet natured pooch who loves people and company. I hope a home can be found for him.
”I would also ask that anyone who recognises Buttons and knows where he came from contacts me. Buttons was close to death and in great pain; people cannot treat animals like this and we will follow any information up in the strictest confidence.”
Councillor Michael Coker, Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “Dogs are man’s best friend and their presence in our lives and communities cannot be ignored. Earlier in the summer, we carried out a series of roadshows educating people on the dangers of leaving dog waste in streets or public areas and advising them of fines which would be handed out to owners who allow their dogs to do this.
“This happy story is another example of the fine work done by the council’s dog warden to safeguard our communities and the dogs living among them.”
Buttons’ treatment is being paid for by TARRS – The Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Service. If you would like to contribute to his care, offer Buttons a home or have information on Buttons’ previous owners, please call Vikki Timms on 07833 400684. All calls will be treated in confidence.