Dogsey

Monty the labradoodle has been praised for his loyalty after his owner fell 40 ft down a ravine into the River Camel in Bodmin, Cornwall. The fall left 73-year-old Grandfather, Maurice Holder, injured and unconscious. When he came to, 11-year-old Monty was still by his side, watching over him, but the tidal water had risen to chest level.

Mr Holder described how he and Monty had been walking along the river bank when he heard a loud rumble and the ground beneath him suddenly gave way. When he regained consciousness, Monty guided him back up the steep bank to safety and left him, returning around 15 minutes later with help. He had run to a nearby pub – the Borough Arms - and barked until a customer came out and followed him to his injured owner. The man was able to help Mr Holder to his car and call an ambulance.

Because of serious head injuries, medics told Mr Holder that the accident could have been fatal if treatment had been delayed. Mr Holder admitted he had feared he might have lain undiscovered on the bank for hours, or even days, because the accident took place “off the beaten track”. Monty's quick intervention ensured that his owner received prompt treatment for the head injuries and broken ribs during a two-day stay in hospital.