Dog abandoned in Wicklow boards private plane to join his rescuers

The little terrier, since named Bobby, continued his adventure from the mountains of Wicklow to the shores of Guernsey in style, travelling by private plane at the behest of the team behind his rescue.

Wicklow Animal Rescue first received a call regarding Bobby on Friday, March 15, during St Patrick’s weekend. Rachel and her husband were visiting the Garden County from the island of Guernsey when they came across Bobby, who was ambling around nervously in a remote location in the Wicklow Mountains.

They decided to pick the dog up and brought him to Roundwood Vets, who in turn contacted Fiona Gammell of Wicklow Animal Rescue.

“Someone saw a white van stopping and Bobby being dumped on the side of the road. Thankfully Rachel and her husband came across him and brought him to the vets,” said Fiona.

“Katie from Roundwood Vets contacted us on March 15, when all the other pounds were shut for St Patrick’s weekend. We collected him on Monday, March 18, and he was a very nervous fellow at the start, but then turned into a lovely little fellow once he got accustomed to everything.”

Rachel and her husband had returned home to Guernsey, but couldn’t stop thinking of the poor little dog they saved from potential death. A week later they contacted Fiona to see if it was possible for them to adopt Bobby, so he could live with the couple and their three other dogs.

“We swung into action immediately and Bobby got his rabies vaccination in readiness for travel,” said Fiona.

“He was vaccinated, wormed, defleaed, microchipped and neutered. The incredible Mairead Nolan in Avondale vets in Rathdrum did all his paperwork and got him a passport. He was ready to go on April 19.

“Sue from Ferry Dog Mothers arranged for Sonya and her fabulous daughter Una to transport him to Waterford Airport where a plane was waiting for him.

“Bobby took it all in his stride and within 24 hrs of leaving here he was having fun on the shores of Guernsey.”

Fiona wants to thank everyone who made it all possible, including the loyal supporters, workers and volunteers involved with Wicklow Animal Rescue.

“Abandoning a dog is a crime and an offence. Luckily for Bobby he went from being callously dumped in the Wicklow Mountains, to travelling by private plane to Guernsey for a new life. Good luck Bobby, you deserve it. Your scared little face will always remind me of the callousness of those who dumped you, but what they didn’t know is that they did you the biggest favour.”