Tuesday January 6th

Turn away from this page all those at Aeza Rescue. I don’t want Isis to be recalled.

I always wear a special elastic belt – the sort used for canicross (running with dogs) – when in the park. To this belt is attached a thick training lead. To the lead is attached a strong elasticated lead. To this is attached a harness. Inside the harness is Isis! The elasticated parts mean that Isis and I are cushioned if she stops suddenly or I have to stop to prevent her from running into something.

Because she has no effective sight or hearing, Isis is extremely vulnerable. Of course, any dog running onto a main road is at risk but Isis wouldn’t stand a chance.

Today I reach the park only to discover that I have left the belt at home. I attach Hairy One  to the rest of her paraphernalia, grasp the lead firmly and off we go.

Soon Isis gives a sharp tug. She wishes to run on the big field. Forgetting that I am not wearing the belt, I let go of the lead.

Isis shoots off. I follow. But she gains speed and flies away zig-zagging happily down the middle of the field in the direction of the extremely busy Vicarage road.

Two days ago I happily wrote:

‘ It is brilliant to see her running as fast as she can in all directions.’

That’s not how it feels today.

Gr. and Cochobhar, Ia. and George watch helplessly as I trundle after my flying dog.

Every now and then, in characteristic fashion, she stops to twirl. I close the gap between us by a couple of metres. She resumes her sprint. Close to the path which leads out of the park she stops for another twirl. This time it’s a long one. I pounce on her lead.

My relief is beyond description.

She is dirty and dishevelled. Her leads are adorned with several layers of mud. She lifts her head. I can almost imagine that she’s smiling.

Isis came from the Aeza cat and dog rescue and adoption centre in Aljezur, Portugal. For information about adopting an animal from the centre, contact kerry@aeza.org or  www.dogwatchuk.com