SHINY coat, wet nose, long pink tongue, the alsatian was a lovely example of the breed, happy and obviously looked after.

But it had been found running free in Station Road, Darlington, and been handed over to the police.

Dog warden John Martin and I collected it, scanned it for an identification microchip and took it to the National Canine Defence League kennels at Sadberge.

"How can you not realise you've lost a dog this size," said John. "He's a lovely dog too."

For the next seven days he will be kept at the kennels. If he has not been claimed by then he will be rehomed.

The alsatian was lucky. He had been spared a life on the streets which could have seen him abused by an uncaring public and prey to fleas, bad diet and disease.

"At least when we pick them up they are alive, safe and secure," said John. "They get chased, kicked , even stoned and quite often will bite through fear or panic."

Next stop was to fit a microchip to a rottweiler collie cross called Daisy. A click of a special gun and it was done without so much as a yelp from the dog.

Scanning the chip will reveal a code number which translates into all manner of information on her and her owner which is kept by a central registry. Owner Paula Dowson, of The Broadway, Darlington, said: "She doesn't go very far but she is a bit trusting and might go off with someone. This will give me peace of mind."