Train-hopping pooch in Ireland goes viral amid search for owners
The brave dog boarded an 8.46am commuter service to Dublin without a ticket, and was brought to the attention of train staff.
Wednesday 3 April 2019 22:58, UK
Train staff in Ireland are attempting to sniff out the owner of a dog which boarded a commuter train to Dublin on Wednesday.
The intrepid terrier made the 30-minute journey between Sallins in County Kildare and Dublin's Heuston station on Wednesday morning.
Passengers on board the 8.46am service alerted staff to the ticketless pooch, leading Irish Rail to put out an appeal to find its owner.
The appeal to find the hound's home went viral on social media, with dog lovers naming the animal Hamish.
On Twitter, Irish Rail said the dog was "sleeping soundly" as employees issued an appeal to in a bid to reunite the pet with its owners.
However, by Wednesday evening, no one had come forward to claim the train-catching dog.
Ted Maher, who works for Irish Rail and also volunteers at an animal sanctuary in Ireland, has taken Hamish in, until the animal's owners can be found.
"The little fella got on an 8am train in Sallins this morning and he arrived here in Heuston," he said.
"The passengers alerted the members of staff there was a loose dog on the train, so we took him into the office."
He also said that Hamish was well looked after and that he had been a model passenger on board the service.
"Hopefully with all the coverage he's getting we'll find his owner," said Mr Maher.
"He's a little gentleman, he's as quiet as a mouse, he's a lovely little dog.
"He's missed by somebody hopefully."
A spokesperson for Irish Rail said: "We are currently getting someone to see if he is micro-chipped but would love to re-unite him with his owner as soon as possible."
If you have information about Hamish that could reunite the pet with its owner, please get in touch with Irish Rail at [email protected]