Vets for Pets Hereford and Transport for Wales Save runaway dog from tragedy

A runaway labradoodle named Dora survives a heart-stopping encounter with a train, thanks to a quickthinking train driver and an expert vet team.

Vets for Pets Hereford played a key part in a remarkable story of kindness, helping a canine explorer named Dora defy all odds and survive an ill-advised adventure on train tracks and 54-mile journey from
Shrewsbury to Hereford. The nine-year-old Labradoodle’s story left her owners in awe and incredibly grateful for the quick actions that saved Dora’s life.

Dora’s travels and her owners’ concern began when she vanished from her garden in Shrewsbury. They were later called by Vets for Pets Hereford to say Dora had been brought to them and was recovering
well from her treatment after she was found running along a railway line.

Jane, Dora's owner, described the shock of learning about her dog’s new habit for exploration;

"when I got the call to ask if I was near Hereford or had lost a dog by the railways, my heart sank. I couldn't understand how she had ended up so far away and on a train track!"

The hero behind Dora's rescue is Charlie Cridland, a Transport for Wales train driver and a former British Army dog handler. Spotting Dora on the tracks, Charlie coaxed the frightened dog onto the train
and took her straight to the team at Vets for Pets Hereford for treatment.

"Driving trains, you learn to expect the unexpected, but seeing a dog on the tracks was truly heartstopping," Charlie recalled. "It was a huge relief when I saw she was okay, but knew she needed some expert help to make sure she could recover for more – slightly more tame – adventures in the future”.

Owner Jane credits Charlie's quick actions and the dedicated team at Vets for Pets Hereford, led by practice owner Elliot Goodwin, for Dora's recovery,

“Charlie saved her life. Without his quick actions and the immediate care from the Vets for Pets team, the outcome could have been devastating."

Dr Elliot Goodwin, Veterinary Surgeon and Practice Owner, is keen to use Dora’s recent travels as a reminder to pet owners who live near train tracks to be extra careful, especially with pooches with a love of adventure.

"Situations like this can unfold in moments, whether it’s a gap in a fence or an open gate. It’s a good idea to regularly check your garden for potential escape routes. But most importantly, keep your pet's microchip details up to date; without it, reuniting Dora with Jane wouldn't have been possible.”

A spokesperson for Transport for Wales added:

“We’re so pleased Charlie was able to step in and help rescue Dora, and we’re delighted to hear she’s made a full recovery. We also want to remind pet owners how important it is never to follow their dog onto the tracks. Our staff are fully trained to handle situations like this safely. Going onto the railway lines is both illegal and extremely dangerous—and could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 or even arrest. The safest thing to do is contact railway staff, who can respond quickly and in the right way.”

Dora is safe and sound back at home, playing safely in her garden and sticking to adventures closer to
home.