Dog hit by car on M1 finds new home with highways officer who rescued him

A dog that was left for dead after being hit by a car on the M1 is set to be adopted by the highways officer who rescued him.

Derby vets worked to save Thor the two-year-old Akita/Husky cross after he was struck by a vehicle at the Trowell Services on December 7.

He was spotted walking down the hard shoulder when he wandered into oncoming traffic in the left-hand lane.

A car sent him flying across the carriageway and he suffered a broken elbow.

Luckily, highways officer Hannah Moffit was patrolling close by and saw the whole incident take place.

She described his screams as "horrific" and cradled him at the side of the road while waiting for a dog warden to arrive.

Now she has revealed she "fell in love with him on hard shoulder" and has decided to give him the forever home he deserved.

One of the people who saw the dog run into the road was Rob Walters who works for a local tyre company.

Jade Brightmore, manager of Yorkshire-based 8 Below Husky Rescue, who is currently caring for Thor, said: "Saint Leonard Veterinary Centre in Derby did his surgery free of charge because they felt sorry for him.

"He had a collar on and was chipped as Thor but his owner turned up at the vets and said they didn't want him back and to put him to sleep.

"One of the veterinary nurses rang me and asked if we could help. He came back with us and has been absolutely perfect, very demanding of kisses and tummy cuddles."

Ms Brightmore, 29, of West Yorkshire, said she had no plans to place Thor for re-homing until he had fully recovered.

"I saw an application come through for re-homing and thought, 'that's weird, how does anyone know about him?', she said.

"It was the traffic officer Hannah who had applied. I could have cried.

"There has also been a lot of people contacting wanting to send gifts to him.

"He's on total rest but it's really difficult to keep him rested. He keeps trying to play and wants to jump up and walk around."

Dr Karl Underhill, head vet at Saint Leonard Veterinary Centre, in Osmaston Road, Derby, said: "The response to Thor and his story on social media has been amazing.

"I was touched that I received a card and a hamper of chocolates from 'Thor' today in the post!"