Rescued dog's owners want to thank Good Samaritans

Bear, the German Shepherd, with the Margate RNLI crew

The owners of a dog rescued off the Kent coast want to trace two strangers who tried to save him.

Bear, a German Shepherd, ran away from a house in Margate at 22:00 BST on Tuesday.

He was not seen again until 16:00 on Wednesday when he was spotted in the sea near Joss Bay, in Broadstairs.

Two members of the public waded into the waters to assist before Bear paddled about four miles (6.4km) around the coast towards Stone Bay.

The couple raised the alarm and the RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched.

Bear was safely rescued and reclaimed by his relieved owner Fiona Rennie.

Ms Rennie’s daughter, Jessica Conway, 38, said: “He’s one lucky dog. He’d been out all night and then decided to go for a long swim.”

Ms Conway, who works for South East Coast Ambulance Service, said the family would like to trace the two people who attempted to rescue Bear, “so we can thank them properly”.

She said: “Bear’s lost some claws, presumably when he tried to clamber ashore during the night and his paws were bleeding.

“But he’s home now and will sleep well.”

The moment Bear was reunited with owner Fiona Rennie by the RNLI

Margate RNLI volunteers who recovered Bear have backed the calls to trace the two members of the public.

Derek Amas, lifeboat operations manager at RNLI Margate, said: “We strongly urge people not to enter the water to attempt rescue when a dog decides to go for an extended swim.

“The animal will usually return safely on its own. On these occasions, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

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