A stranger’s quick thinking saved the life of a choking dog.

Now owner Claire Garcia is desperate to trace the man so she can thank him personally for saving her pet’s life.

The 11-year-old lhaso apso, called Special, was being walked along Ufton Lane, Sittingbourne, at about 3.30pm on Saturday when it ate something that had been discarded on the pavement.

Seconds later, the pet collapsed on its side. Mrs Garcia said: “She then rolled on her back and then on to her side again. My first thought was it was poison and it had had an immediate affect.

“I screamed and fell to my knees beside her and was calling her name.

“He came over immediately and prised open her jaw and stuck his hand in her mouth. I said ‘careful, she might go for you’ and he said ‘it’s either that or she dies’, or words to that effect" - Mrs Garcia

“I had just walked pass this guy who was fiddling with his car and he asked if everything was OK. I said ‘my dog’s just ate something and I think she’s choking’.

“He came over immediately and prised open her jaw and stuck his hand in her mouth. I said ‘careful, she might go for you’ and he said ‘it’s either that or she dies’, or words to that effect, and then he pulled out a big bone.

“There’s always lots of litter dropped along there and it was near a paper bag. I think it was possibly a chicken bone. She couldn’t walk so I had to carry her home. He did offer to help but I said ‘no, I’ll be fine’, but I did thank him profusely. I was crying on my way home with her.”

The mum-of-one, whose daughter Elena, 17, chose the name for Special when it was a puppy, is now appealing to the man to come forward.

The 47-year-old, who works as a care supervisor for Bluebird Care Medway, said: “I cannot thank him enough as he literally saved my dog’s life. I don’t think she’d be here now if he hadn’t helped because I went into panic mode.

“If I knew where he lived I’d take something round to him.

“Finally, to all those people that drop their litter on the pavements, particularly leftover food and bones from takeaways, as well as showing total disregard for the environment, also consider the possible consequences of your actions.”

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