Buckie RNLI volunteer crew thanked for compassion after dogs tragic cliff fall
The volunteer crew at Buckie RNLI recently welcomed Kenny Rennie to the station to thank them for the compassion they showed following the tragic loss of his dog, Mouse, who sadly did not survive after falling from cliffs near the Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie.
Kenny visited the station to meet the crew involved in the call-out and to express his gratitude for the care and dignity shown when Mouse was recovered and returned to her family following the incident on Saturday 22 February.
Buckie RNLI’s volunteer crew were tasked on 22 February after Mouse fell from the cliffs near Portknockie. Although Mouse sadly did not survive the fall, the crew launched promptly, recovered her, and ensured she was returned to her owners with sensitivity and care.
In the hours following the incident, Kenny and his wife Paula contacted Buckie RNLI to thank the crew for the compassion they had shown at an extremely distressing time. Kenny later visited the station in person, accompanied by Perry, the family’s other spaniel and big brother to Mouse.
During the visit, Kenny shared memories of Mouse and spoke about the events of the day, as well as what it meant to have her brought back to them. The crew said they were deeply touched by the visit, describing it as a reminder of the human moments that stay with volunteers long after a shout has ended.
The visit was also particularly meaningful for Kenny, who has a long-standing connection to Buckie RNLI, having volunteered as a crew member at the station as a teenager. His father also previously served as chair of the lifeboat station.
The incident highlights the wide range of shouts RNLI volunteers are trained to respond to. While many people associate the RNLI with saving lives at sea, volunteers are frequently called to a variety of coastal emergencies, including incidents involving animals. In every situation, crews aim to provide support and reassurance during what are often unexpected and distressing moments. If you see anyone, or an animal, in difficulty on the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Connor Cowie, volunteer Coxswain at Buckie RNLI who was coxswain during the shout said: ‘We were very sorry that we could not change the outcome for the family, but we were glad we could help bring Mouse home. It meant a great deal to the crew that Kenny took the time to visit the station. As volunteers, we respond to many different types of emergencies, and every shout matters to us - whether it involves a person or a beloved family pet.’
Notes to editors
· Buckie RNLI has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/buckie-lifeboat-station
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For further information, please contact:
Jeffrey Tuckerman, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Buckie RNLI on 07885 692601 or email [email protected]
Richard Smith, Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, on 07826 900639 or email [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, on 07920 365929 or email [email protected]
RNLI Press Office 01202 336789 or [email protected]
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