A QUICK-thinking dog warden saved the life of a treasured family pet after it started choking and spitting blood.

Paul Hacking was out on patrol at playing fields on North Valley Road, Colne when he spotted distraught dog walker Jean Payne desperately trying to tend to her daughter's dog Rapsey.

He immediately rushed Rapsey to the vets in a rescue mission reminiscent of Animal Hospital.

The drama started while Mrs Payne was out walking Rapsey and Jet. Rapsey began behaving strangely and when she lifted her head, Mrs Payne saw there was blood round her mouth.

Mrs Payne said: "It became clear that Rapsey had swallowed something and was choking.

"She wouldn't come over to me when I called her which is very unusual. My heart was going ten to the dozen.

"Several people were very kind in trying to help me and then we managed to flag down Paul as he was passing. By this time Rapsey has flopped on to the floor and wasn't moving."

Paul immediately realised the dog was in trouble and needed urgent medical care.

He said: "I was just out on my rounds when I came across Mrs Payne with the two dogs. She looked very panicked.

"I stopped to see if I could help and it was clear to me after looking at Rapsey that she was choking on something.

"I immediately took Rapsey and rushed her to the vet. I knew that if she had been left much longer then she could have died." Rapsey had a stick lodged behind her teeth blocking her throat and without Paul's swift action she may not have made it.

"But the plucky pooch pulled through and was soon back home with her family.

Mrs Payne said: "I was waiting at home to hear from someone about Rapsey when she came bounding in through the front door like nothing had ever happened! I was so relieved that she was OK. The whole experience was heartbreaking. Although she is back on top form now, I won't be letting either of the dogs off the leads in future.

"Both my daughter and I are extremely grateful to Paul and have sent him a card to thank him for saving our precious Rapsey. We were lucky that Paul was in the right place at the right time."