Dog survives six weeks of frigid winter

HAMSTEAD MARSHALL, England, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Veterinarians said a dog is lucky to be alive after spending six weeks wandering the countryside in freezing weather conditions.

Animal authorities said Angel the mink hound was first spotted wandering in the town of Axford, England, Nov. 6, and sightings followed from the towns of Ramsbury, Enborne, Speen and Hungerford, the BBC reported.

Newbury Dogs Trust Assistant Manager Jenny Hopkins was finally able to catch Angel with a net Dec. 16.

"She would have probably traveled up to 30 miles a day for six weeks," Hopkins said of the canine's ordeal.

Paula Boyden, deputy veterinary director with Newbury Dogs Trust, said Angel likely survived by foraging for scraps.

"Given the weather conditions that we have experienced over the past few weeks, I am surprised to hear that she survived and was picked up in such good condition," Boyden said.