Rescue dog reuniting pooches with their owners

Rico has turned his second chance into a lifeline for others

A stray dog who was at risk of being put to sleep in a pound in Portugal is now reuniting lost dogs with their families in Shropshire.

Rico, the star tracer at the Canine School of Trailing in Whitchurch, has been nominated for BBC Radio Shropshire's Make a Difference Awards.

The awards celebrate volunteers, fundraisers and animals who go the extra mile for their communities.

His owner Rachel Rodgers said there was "no feeling like it" after Rico tracked down a missing dog. "I've never been so proud," she added.

Ms Rodgers, who runs the school, discovered the 10-year-old pooch's talent when she was trying to build up his confidence around men and children.

She took him to trailing classes and it became clear he was a natural tracker.

"The second he has a scent article in front of his face he is on a mission, there's a spark in his eye."

Rachel Rodgers describes Rico as her soul dog

Ms Rodgers first saw Rico on Facebook after he has been found on the streets in Portugal and taken to a pound.

She said she "couldn't let this cute little puppy be put to sleep".

She paid for him to be taken from the pound by a rescue centre, but when they couldn't find him a local home she brought him to England.

It's not known what breed he is but she suspects he might be a Kokoni, a small domestic dog that is commonly found in Greece.

Ms Rodgers says she and Rico have developed a close bond, adding: "He's always there through thick and thin, always by my side."

He has also overcome his fear of children and is adored by Harris, Ms Rodgers stepson.

The 10-year-old joked: "He's always the reason why when I look in the fridge there's no cheese or chicken".

Rico at the pound in Portugal

Rico is a true testament to second chances, now dedicating his life to helping others as a search dog.

Ms Rodgers said he had directly located two missing dogs, including a collie who had escaped during a storm and had been missing for several days.

She said within minutes of Rico sniffing the scent article, he had found him hiding under a campervan.

"Dogs are amazing, and how they can do that when we just wouldn't have a clue blows my mind every time," said Ms Rodgers.

More commonly, Rico's role is about narrowing down search areas.

One of the most notable searches Rico has helped with was for Cinnamon, the capybara who made headlines after escaping from a zoo in Telford.

"It was very difficult because we didn't have a scent article for Cinnamon and so we just had some capybara poo to go off, and he found more capybara poo, he did quite well", she said.

The large rodent was found a week later and safely returned to the zoo.

As well as helping others, Rico also brings joy to his family, including Ms Rodgers stepson Harris

Ms Rodgers said the nomination for the award was bittersweet.

"I'm really, really proud of him but I'm also really sad because I'm conscious at the moment that Rico is not in good health."

He's now semi-retired because he has days where he can't walk more than 500 metres.

"Maybe this would be a really nice retirement present for him if he succeeds and wins," she said.