27 January 2023 , 10:12
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When their pet bird Basil went missing, owners Sophie Wills, her husband Robin and their two children were hopeful of finding him quickly. After all, at more than 5ft tall, the 13-year-old rhea - a flightless African bird resembling an emu - should have been easy to spot roaming the English countryside.
But it took more than five days and a huge search using thermal imaging cameras to find their feathered friend - proving much harder than they initially thought. It all began when Basil jumped a fence in the field where he lives in Rushden, Northamptonshire, after being spooked by hounds from a local hunt.
Basil the Rhea bird (DAILY MIRROR)Sophie, 34, who has owned Basil for a decade with her family said: "We were all absolutely devastated when he went missing. He's an older bird and I knew he would be extremely stressed.
"But I never thought it would take five days to get him back."
Rheas can run faster than humans, and the search was also complicated by Basil's neutral colouring.
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"When he lays on the ground he is completely camouflaged in winter," explained Sophie.
The Mirror's Pet ClubIt was two days before there was a confirmed sighting of Basil, and the family turned to social media for help, as well as enlisting a group that searches for missing dogs.
They used thermal imaging equipment, and eventually, five days after going missing, Basil was found in a field. Apart from a few ruffled feathers, and exhaustion, he was uninjured.
"Without all the help we would have struggled to find him," said Sophie.
"It's been quite the journey but I'm so pleased Basil is back home safe and sound. My family and I have been completely blown away by the kindness we have experienced. We have nicknamed them 'Baz's Angels'."
Pet pic
Izzy the cat who has learnt how to use Ringo sensor ringbell - (DAILY MIRROR)Who needs a cat flap? This clever moggy has learned to use a video doorbell when he wants to get into the house. Izzy climbs a wisteria trellis by the front door, activating the bell's motion sensor. Owner Amanda De'Arth, from Ely, Cambs, said: "It's hilarious".
Cats corner
Top tips for you and your cat, with answers and advice from our friends at Cats Protection.
My cat is quite shy but recently has been hiding from me a lot more. How can I help her confidence?
Cats Protection (Cats Protection)It's part of a cat's normal behaviour to hide, however if your cat is hiding more than usual, it could be that they're feeling unwell or are feeling stressed or anxious.
It's best to take them to the vet to get checked over and rule out any illnesses. Other changes in the household such as guests, building works, new furniture or other pets could also cause this sudden change in behaviour.
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If the vet feels it's behavioural, then contact a qualified behaviourist from the Animal Behaviour and Training Council.
Find out more at www.cats.org.uk/cats-at-night
Story time
The pooch, named Penny, plunged from Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset (Swanage Coastguard / SWNS)A spaniel called Penny had a miracle escape after falling 27m down a cliff. She was on a walk with her owner near Studland in Dorset, when she fell off Old Harry Rocks last Saturday.
She was later spotted on a nearby beach and rescued by a lifeboat crew. Swanage Coastguard said Penny was cold and shocked before being checked by a vet, and reminded owners to keep dogs on leads near cliff edges.
Rescue dog of the week
Chilli the Shih Tzu who who was rescued but is now a therapy dog (DAILY MIRROR)Little Chilli has a new lease of life as a therapy dog after she was found tethered to a van at a car boot sale.
The tiny Shih Tzu was just six weeks old when an RSPCA officer found her and took her to Hillfield Animal Home in Staffordshire.
She was eventually adopted and now makes much-anticipated weekly visits to Charlotte James Care Home in Burton-upon-Trent where she is adored by the residents.
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