A LOST dog which had been in the cold for a week has been rescued.

The long-haired border collie was caught by kind-hearted neighbour Vivien Hatch and the dog warden in Whalley Avenue in Johnson Fold.

It is now recovering from its ordeal at Bolton’s Destitute Animal Shelter.

But with freezing temperatures returning, time is running out to rescue a German shepherd dog, which has been evading capture for a fortnight.

It has been spotted in Plodder Lane, Farnworth, the nearby golf course and in Smethurst Lane in Morris Green and St Helens Road.

Animal behaviourist Mel Rushmore is trying to catch the dog with Bolton RSPCA and the dog warden and is particularly worried as it is limping.

The dog has been seen around Slack Fold Lane and a farmyard, and Mrs Rushmore is trying to find out where it spends most of its time so she can focus on the area.

She said: “I would love to hear from anyone who has seen her on a regular basis so we can track her down. If she goes in a secure garden, I would have a better chance of catching her. We need to catch her before the weather goes much colder again.”

Mrs Rushmore has asked the public not to try to catch the dog themselves as it may be anxious, particularly as it is injured. To help, ring Mrs Rushmore on 07835 865219.