The owl and the puppy dog: Barn owl steals shih tzu’s bed in Selly garden

Owl and dog live together in Selly back garden – it’s a shit zhu


A dog owner was stunned when her pet pooch was booted out of its kennel – by a stray BARN OWL which took up residence in her garden.

Nancy Knight, 84, returned home from a bowls match on Saturday evening to find her three-year-old shitzu Mac barking.

She investigated and discovered the dog had been kicked out of his kennel by a barn owl which had swooped into her garden.

The owl, which Nancy has nicknamed ‘Shenley’ after her home in the suburb near Selly Oak, Birmingham, is now living in the kennel while its owners are traced.

Nancy, who has two great-grandchildren, said: “At first I thought someone had thrown a brown paper bag into my garden but then I heard Mac barking wildly.

“He was jumping up and down outside his kennel and was whimpering every time he tried to get back inside.

“I took a look inside the kennel and saw it [the owl] inside. The poor thing was exhausted and had tucked his wings in.

“I think he is someone’s pet because he is in such a great condition.

“He must have hurt himself and wound up in my garden.

“He doesn’t seem in too much of a hurry to leave and now he’s got food and water on tap.

“I feel a bit sorry for Mac because the owl really likes his kennel but I haven’t got the heart to move him.“I’ve never seen an owl up close before. He’s absolutely beautiful.


“It’s quite an honour because normally they are such timid creatures.

“He’s been causing quite a stir around here – all the kids from the area have been round to visit him.

“I think Mac is a bit jealous, whenever someone comes to visit the owl he takes himself away to sulk somewhere.

“Mac’s got a basket in the kitchen now but he is pretty keen to get his home back.”

It is not the first time the retired civil servant has come to the rescue of an injured bird.

In 2005 her son discovered a racing pigeon on his balcony and immediately called his mother for help.

Nancy, who is a widow, added: “I had no idea about them, so I phoned my brother who races pigeons and he told me to check under the wing for a number.

“I held it gently on its back and spread its wings and there was the number.

“Well after we released that it was only a week or so and suddenly another pigeon drops into my own garden.

“So I did the same thing and the owner told me how to release the bird and I did it again, and three days later I get a call and he’s back home in Scotland.

“My family say I must have something about me which attracts injured birds. I just hope the owners of Shenley come forward although I’ll miss him.”