THE OWNER of a panicked pooch who escaped on a walk near Kidlington and ended up in the A34 traffic has thanked the bin men and public who rescued him.

Brody the four-year-old collie had been at his new home with owner Julie Hutton for just two weeks after being rescued from a puppy farm in Wales.

But after a poor early life Brody is easily spooked and on a walk at Stratfield Brake Sports Ground on Friday he bolted away from nearby dog walkers and towards a number of A roads.

Ms Hutton said: “When we met Brody at Many Tears Rescue in Carmarthen we fell in love with him.

“His eyes were terrified and his tail stayed tucked between his legs but he was more relaxed when given the chance to play with our other two dogs.

“Because Brody spent his whole life on a puppy farm, he had never been in a house or on a walk before he was rescued.

“The last two weeks have been a massive learning curve for him, he is just starting to venture into the house more.

“However he is easily spooked and on Friday he bolted when we met some other dog walkers.”

A search party quickly formed to help Ms Hutton find Brody but she was surprised to hear 90 minutes later that he had been found safe on the A34.

She said: “Amazingly, he got as far as the A34 without being hurt and it was there that two lorry drivers including council refuse collectors successfully managed to slow their lorries to shield Brody from the traffic and, along with a van driver, guide him to safety.”

Bin man Dale Hall was on his round when he spotted Brody running among the cars and with the help of others including van driver Dale Hall managed to catch the collie.

Ms Hutton said: “Thanks to the kindness and perseverance of members of the public and council workers this story has a happy ending.

“It could’ve ended very differently for both Brody and his family, as well as putting road users at risk.”

She added: “We have been so lucky to have Brody join our family and luckier to have had him back unscathed after a frightening experience.

“He had a warm bath, lots of cuddles and is back with his new canine sisters and fortunately still going from strength to strength in leaving behind the memories of his previous life on a puppy farm.”

Vet Ms Hutton and advised dog owners to ensure pets are microchipped and have up-to-date identity tags, adding: “An active lifestyle with the opportunity to exercise off lead, plays a huge role in their physical and mental wellbeing. As with Brody events can take an unexpected turn and its always crucial to have a solid recall.