Family's 14-year search to find mystery woman who saved pet dog's life

Coopsie the dog, who lives with her family in South Shields, will turn 15 later this month; a milestone which owner Pam Cooper says she owes in part to a mystery woman who came to her pet’s aid after she was involved in an accident.

In 2006, Pam’s son Jack was out walking with Coopsie when she got away from him and ran into the road, suffering a collapsed lung when she was hit by a car.

The driver stopped at the scene, and so did a woman who went on to pick Coopsie up and help Jack, aged 13 at the time, get her to safety.

At the time, an appeal ran in the Gazette for the woman – known only as Gill or Jill who worked with children at South Tyneside Council – to come forward. She was never found.

Years may have passed, but the family remains hopeful that they can be reunited to say thank you.

Pam, 54, said: “I want to thank her for what she did that night, because I might not be having this conversation if it wasn’t for her being so quick to respond.

"She was really excellent, she saved Coopsie and we have had 15 lovely years with her.”

The day after the accident, the woman visited the family’s home to check on Jack and his pet, but in the moment they forgot to take her full name.

Coopsie’s milestone birthday – on Friday, August 28 – is being marked with a party at the family’s home in Peel Gardens over the bank holiday weekend.

Pam, who is married to Paul and also mum to James, said Coopsie was a bundle of energy as a pup, providing them all with years of joy and companionship.

She added: “She was mischievous in her day but now that she’s an older lady she’s a little bit more reserved. She’s just awesome.”

The family also has a 13-year-old brown Labrador named Coco.

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