Good samaritans save Bailey the beagle after West Lothian horror smash

QUICK-THINKING drivers helped save a puppy’s life after he bolted across a major road into the path of an oncoming car.

Passers-by sprung into action, scooping up Bailey the one-year-old beagle from the A71 in Livingston and taking him to the vets for a lifesaving operation.

An online fundraiser to help pay for his treatment has smashed through its £6,000 target after he was left in a critical condition.

“On the way to pick up my car from the garage, I was unfortunately a witness to a horrible incident,” Ian Inglis posted on Facebook.

“Travelling along the A71, I saw the car in front of us hit a wee dog running across the road. My heart sank as I saw the poor wee dog.

“I thought it must have been a goner. But no, the wee dog was yelping in pain. Jumping forward we managed to pick him up and put him in another driver’s car who took him to the vets.”

Bailey had gone missing last Thursday after getting spooked on his afternoon walk and giving his dogwalker the slip.

It sparked a frantic 24 hour search by owner Emma Lundy as she tried in vain to find her treasured pooch.

Offers of help were forthcoming from all directions - including a drone operator and a blood hound trainer.

But then came news on Friday that Bailey had been hit and was fighting for his life.

With Bailey currently in intensive care, she was quoted £6,000 in vet bills - with his pet insurance failing to cover the amount.

So the community dug deep with more than 500 donating to an online fundraiser - and over £7,200 in the pot.

"I've just been absolutely floored by the kindness and generosity of people," said occupational therapist Emma, 30.

With metal plates inserted in his shoulder, bailey is now out of intensive care and on the long road to recovery.

Mr Inglis, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Military Museum Scotland, has even placed a collection bucket on the visitor attraction’s reception desk.

Every penny raised at a Veterans Breakfast Club has already helped boost the total in Bailey’s Bucket.

“Every penny will count,” Mr Inglis added. “Please, please dig deep and help to get Bailey well and home to his owner.”

Family friend Jane White set-up the online fundraiser and posted: “Bailey's injuries are critical but he's a fighter and has been described as surprisingly stable and upbeat considering everything he has gone through.

Ms White, from Bathgate, added: “Emma and her family have been completely overwhelmed by the extraordinary support and acts of kindness from her local community.

“She wishes to thank everyone for their generosity and unconditional help during the search for her beloved pooch.”

Anyone wishing to support Bailey’s appeal can make a donation at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bailey039s-tale

One donor Morag Black wrote: “My heart goes out to the family of wee Bailey. Hope they can see how much everyone is thinking of them and there are so many people willing Bailey to keep fighting and get back home to where he belongs.Stay strong and lots of love Bailey.”