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Dog catches bus by himself from Sturry to Canterbury

An adventurous dog has caused drama after hopping on a bus alone and riding it into the city.

The three-year-old shih tzu, named Teddy, has had quite the morning after strolling onto the service in Sturry, near Canterbury.

Teddy was looked after at Canterbury bus station. Picture: Stagecoach
Teddy was looked after at Canterbury bus station. Picture: Stagecoach

The driver had presumed the "happy and playful" little dog was with another passenger.

It was only when the bus arrived in Canterbury that the driver realised he was unaccompanied, and took him to the Stagecoach office at the city's bus station.

Stagecoach workers were able to trace Teddy's owner, Christine Ricketts, through contact details on his name tag and she rushed to pick him up.

Miss Ricketts, 52, says her garden gate had blown open, allowing her beloved dog to escape.

She says it is "brilliant" to have Teddy home, and thanked the bus staff who took him in.

Owner Christine Ricketts reunited with Teddy at Canterbury bus station, with duty controller Glen Martin. Picture: Stagecoach
Owner Christine Ricketts reunited with Teddy at Canterbury bus station, with duty controller Glen Martin. Picture: Stagecoach

"It's just devastating when they go missing," she said. "You panic and you think the worst."

She says that now he is safe, she finds the thought of her dog waiting at a bus stop "quite funny".

"I'm just grateful to the bus people," she said.

"They were lovely. I'm so glad they looked after him, they were really great."

One member of staff even gave Miss Ricketts his tie as a makeshift lead.

Teddy being cared for by Stagecoach staff. Picture: Stagecoach
Teddy being cared for by Stagecoach staff. Picture: Stagecoach

A Stagecoach spokesman said: "While waiting for his mother to come and collect him, he's been playing in our office and keeping staff thoroughly entertained.

"Teddy is very happy and playful and he's made friends with everyone, so we don't want to say goodbye."

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

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