This week’s photograph was taken by Chloe Morris, capturing a couple out walking their dog through the low-lying fog on the Stray. 

Chloe Morris

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

John Chadwick

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Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

A dog walker was taken to hospital with serious injuries after he was hit by a vehicle near Ripon.

The driver failed to leave any details and police are now trying to trace him.

The victim was walking his black Alsatian dog when a vehicle struck him and his dog.

The dog is believed to have been injured and ran off.

The incident happened at around 6pm on Sunday, September 11 on a country lane at Gate Bridge Road, which is between Grantley and Galphay.

The driver is described as a white man with short brown hair, a local accent, a short stubble beard and aged 30 to 40 years old.

He drove the victim to Harrogate District Hospital, left him outside and drove off without leaving any details.

Read more:

• Man jailed for biting police officer in Harrogate
• Trees to be felled at Ripon nature reserve

The victim, who is in his 30s, cannot recall the make of vehicle but remembers it was black.

He suffered serious injuries, which are not life-threatening. The dog has yet to be found.

North Yorkshire Police today urged anyone who has information, dashcam footage from surrounding roads at the time, or saw anything in the moments leading up to the incident is asked to email craig.taylor@northyorkshire.police.uk

You can also contact Traffic Constable Taylor on 101, select option 2 and ask for Craig Taylor.

Quote reference 12220163189 when sharing information.

An innovative new physio and hydrotherapy centre for dogs is set to open in Harrogate next month.

Veterinary physiotherapist Sophie Brook is hoping to launch the facility on Skipton Road at the end of August.

The first of its kind in Harrogate, it will offer physiotherapy, rehabilitation hydrotherapy, fun and fitness swims and puppy confidence swims.

Ms Brook, who owns The Harrogate Vet Physio, has been working on a mobile basis for the last two years, treating dogs and horses.

She has spent that time looking for a suitable location to be able to also offer hydrotherapy, which she currently practises at a centre in Brighouse.

And she finally found the perfect unit at Dragon Court Business Park, which will offer a 6m x 2.5m heated dog swimming pool and a physio room.

Ms Brook, who studied veterinary physiotherapy for four years, said:

“I always wanted a pool because hydrotherapy is so good for dogs. The pool is getting fitted next month and hopefully it will be open at the end of August.

“It can help with problems such as arthritis in older dogs and hip and elbow dysplasia. There are also things like cruciate injuries that be helped through physio and hydrotherapy.”

Ms Brook said the swimming sessions were aimed at helping puppies and dogs gain confidence in the water, as not all are natural swimmers.

She said:

“You would be surprised how many dogs can’t swim. For some it’s not a natural ability. It also helps puppies gain confidence around water so if they fall in, they don’t go into full panic mode.

“I’m really excited to launch the new centre. People in Harrogate are big dog lovers, so it is the ideal place to do it.”

A signed referral form is needed for all of the sessions, including fun and puppy swims, and can be found here.

A Stray Ferret appeal to find a forever home for a rescue Chihuahua has ended in success.

Cheeky Pekey, 13, was brought over from Romania by Harrogate dog charity Miss Mollie’s Rescue.

Older dogs can be harder to re-home and with Cheeky also being blind in one eye, Miss Mollie’s had their work cut out to find the right person.

However, Jean Davison said Cheeky was “exactly what she was looking for” after losing her rescue Chihuahua Boo last year. Her previous experience with rescues and the amount of time she had to look after a dog meant she was perfect.

Ms Davison said she was looking for another dog to fill the hole Boo left behind and when she saw Cheeky she knew she would fit in.

Last week, Cheeky moved in with Jean and her new sister 10-year-old Chihuahua Pixie. She said:

“Boo had a life with me and I wanted to do that for another dog. Cheeky is absolutely fantastic and has fit in really well.

“The two of them will be great companions, Pixie has been a little jealous but she is always looking behind her to check on Cheeky when we’re out walking.”

Cheeky’s lack of vision means she follows Jean by the sound of her voice, but doing that has meant she’s walked into a few walls! But Jean expects this will become less frequent when Cheeky learns the layout of the house.

Jean said she is looking forward to introducing Cheeky to her friends and family and ensuring she is properly settled in her new home.

Read more:

• Meet the Knaresborough woman who is a dog chaperone at weddings
• Dog trying to eat sausages causes Harrogate house fire

Would you like to have your dog walk down the aisle with your wedding ring?

It’s all part of a service offered by wedding dog chaperone Katie Abbott, who looks after couples’ pooches during their special day.

The Knaresborough-based professional dog walker first heard about the trend from America, and she thought she could offer newlyweds something a bit different in Yorkshire.

“People were getting family members in to look after their pets, but it took the day away from them.”

Prices start at £225 to hire Ms Abbott as a wedding dog chaperone. She usually stays with the dog for the wedding service and photos afterwards.

She can also stay overnight with the dog whilst newlyweds enjoy themselves at the reception and evening party.

Ms Abbott said the service is particularly popular with millennials who look at their furry companion as a member of their family.

“They want their dog there for the biggest day of their lives.”

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Ms Abbott is trained in canine body language, so on the day, she looks out for fear or stress signals to make sure the animal is not overwhelmed.

At a recent wedding, an excitable labrador charged down the aisle, so she took the dog outside for a walk to calm it down.

One of her jobs is ensuring that the bridal dress is not spoilt by mucky paws — and the dog is kept safely away from the cake.

She’s been to two weddings this year where she walked the dog down the aisle, and there are even custom collars with on them pillows so they can carry the ring.

She said:

“I love my job so much. As an animal lover, being able to work with dogs is amazing, as is being at a wedding, which is the happiest day of people’s lives.

“Having a dog there is the cherry on top of the cake.”

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of rescue animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month Trix, Rupert, Dapple and Tricky are looking for a home. 

Trix

Age: Eight months old

Trix’s Story: Trix was born with a congenital defect of her sternum, Pectus Excavatum. This required very specialist surgery and repeated operations to try and correct the defect so that she could breathe more normally.

Temperament: Trix has now been given a new lease of life and has now been able to play and run around like any other kitten, with lots of rest in between.

Ideal home: She needs an adult only home where someone is around most of the time. Trix would enjoy the company of gentle cat companions and although she will be timid to begin with once she gets to know you she is very affectionate.

Could you give Trix a loving home? Get in touch with Harrogate Cat Rescue.

Rupert

Age: three-years-old

Rupert’s story: Rupert is a sweet boy who came into the care of RSPCA after his owner could no longer meet his needs.

Temperament: This sweet pup is friendly and likes to be out and about meeting people and other dogs but he isn’t too leen on being left alone. He will need to be at home most of the time while he learn it’s ok to be left alone.

Ideal home: He is a very active dog so needs equally active adopters to give him the exercise he needs. Rupert will need a home where there is a secure fully enclosed garden with a six-foot fence. Rupert could live with another dog after a successful introduction at the centre and could live with children aged 10 years and over.

Could Rupert fit in with you and your life? Get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Dapple and Tricky

Age: Adult

Dapple and Tricky’s Story: Dapple came to the centre as an unclaimed stray, she had an injury to one of her toes which unfortunately was too old to be fixed so she had it amputated. Tricky is a sweet little rabbit who was born at the centre after his mum and dad were not wanted by their previous owner any longer.

Temperament: Dapple has great character and is a cheeky, happy girl but is also quite independent and likes to keep herself to herself and does not enjoy much handling. Tricky is a young, cheeky and playful little boy. These two rabbits have been bonded here at the centre and they love each other so much.

Ideal home: They would be suitable to live with children aged 14 years and over. Their home needs a hutch that is a minimum of six-foot with an attached run of a minimum eight-foot.

If you have space for these furry friends, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after two dogs chased three sheep during lambing season near Beckwithshaw last week.

It took place on Thursday afternoon at around 2.50pm below the ruins of John of Gaunt’s castle, which is near Beaver Dyke Reservoirs.

A Dalmation dog, believed to be called Mabel, chased the ewes close to the public footpath.

A second black dog, which was medium-sized and believed to be called Parker, also joined in the chase.

Being in charge of a dog that worries sheep is a criminal offence.

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At this time of year, ewes are often heavily pregnant. Being chased by a dog can result in injury, suffering and even death.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time who could assist the investigation.

They’d especially like to speak to a woman who was seen to be exercising a number of dogs in the area and also the owner of a black van which was parked in the parking area at the side of Pennypot Lane where the footpath to the reservoirs starts.

If anyone has information contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 select option 2 and ask to speak to PC Bill Hickson. You can also email bill.hickson@northyorkshire.police.uk – quote reference NYP-25032022-0069.

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Will the rabbit, Jerry the dog and cats Link and Mystic need your help.

Will

 Age: 1

Will’s Story: Will is a sweet natured boy who came to us as his previous owner could no longer take care of him.

Temperament: Will is an active playful boy who really enjoys so many things, he likes to investigate new things, he likes being around people but most of all he likes veg time.

Ideal home: We are looking for adopters who will keep him entertained and who already have an existing spayed female rabbit who he can bond with and share the rest of his life with. We are looking for accommodation where the hutch is a minimum of 6ft with an attached run of a minimum 8ft.

If you could give Will a loving home, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Jerry 

 Age: 14-15 months old

Temperament: He is a friendly dog with people, but can be unpredictable with other dogs. He is very lively and intelligent but has never been taught any manners.

Ideal home: He needs someone to spend a lot of time training him. He cannot be rehomed with children or any other animals, and will need a secure garden.

If you have the time to train Jerry, contact Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs. 

Link and Mystic

Ages: Six years old

Link and Mystic’s story: Mystic and Link came to the centre as their previous owner could no longer keep them. They are a very sweet and very bonded pair of cats who absolutely adore each other so we will be looking for a home where they will stay together.

Temperament: Both cats are very friendly and love a fuss, they love treat time and then love to snooze the day away together. Mystic and Link are super chilled out, they would love to be able to snuggle up on the sofa with you and keep you company while watching the TV or reading a book.

Ideal home: They need a nice quiet home which is adult only with no other pets. If you are looking for a pair of laid back cats to add to your family then Mystic and Link are the cats for you.

To give this loving, chilled out pair a home, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Read more:

• Stray Pets Rescue Club: Hovis, Bertie and Gary need your help
• Stray Pets Rescue Club: could these adorable pooches find a home before Christmas?

The number of dog thefts in the Harrogate district more than doubled in 2020 compared with 2019, according to police statistics.

The figures were released after a member of the public made a Freedom of Information request to North Yorkshire Police.

They show there were eight thefts in 2020 compared with three in 2019. The three previous years saw just seven thefts in total.

Although the numbers are small, the 2020 figure represents a significant increase.

The Harrogate district also had the highest number of thefts in North Yorkshire in 2020, with Scarborough and Ryedale the closest with five.

The figures also revealed only two thefts ended in a person being charged. Most reports didn’t lead to court action either because no suspect was identified or there were evidential difficulties.

A table showing the number of crimes where a dog has been recorded as stolen. Photograph: North Yorkshire Police

Border Collies and Pugs were the most commonly stolen breeds in North Yorkshire, with 10 and eight thefts recorded respectively between 2016 and 2021.

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• Warning for dog walkers after four sheep killed near Pinewoods

The police recently appointed its first officers dedicated to dealing specifically with pet theft.

Amongst other duties, the officers will conduct reassurance visits, in which they accompany pet theft victims on walks to help them feel more confident when walking their dogs.