10:58am Tuesday 16th March 2010
A MIRACLE dog who defied death after being struck by a high-speed train can at last wag his tail again.
Tyler, a five-year-old Gordon Setter, suffered multiple injuries, including a smashed pelvis, a broken leg and toes, when he was hit by an 80mph express train three years ago.
After three major operations, Tyler's owner Leanne Hill, of Pick Hill, Waltham Abbey, said her beloved pet was on the road to recovery but one problem remained - he was unable to wag his tail.
Mrs Hill, 41, and her husband, Andrew, began feeding their pet a nutritional mobility supplement, called Yumove, and eventually his tail started to move.
Leanne said: "Tyler's tail never really moved after the accident - it was very limp.
"When he started taking the supplement his tail just seemed to move. He seems to be much happier now - he doesn't grumble if you stroke him near his tail."
Tyler's freak accident happened at Cheshunt Train Station as a dog sitter was walking him and sister Billie. It is thought the dogs chased something onto the railway tracks. While Billie narrowly escaped the fast approaching train, Tyler was struck as he crossed the lines.
Recalling the accident, Leanne explained: “Some railway workers told us that given the speed the train was travelling at, we should be prepared that possibly we might never find his remains.”
Andrew dashed to the scene and began scouring the tracks. Eventually he saw his pet dog trying to lift his head from where he had landed after the impact. Since the accident, veterinary care, including three operations and rehabilitation, has cost Tyler's owners around £12,000.
Leanne added: "All the money we had saved has now gone on Tyler’s treatment. However, we don’t begrudge him any of it - as owners he is like our baby.
"It's fantastic to have Tyler still with us. I’d have paid whatever it took to have him back to normal.”
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