Deaf dog narrowly escapes death in Storm Éowyn after tree crashes into garden

Kirsty Feerick & Isla Storie

26 January 2025 at 8:34 am·2-min read

A deaf dog had a lucky escape after a huge tree crashed into his owner's garden during Storm Eowyn. 15-year-old Angus was pottering around outside the house in Netherlee, Glasgow on Friday, January 24, before his owner John Johnston, 66, whisked him inside as the gales got stronger.

Just minutes later, a tree plummeted to the ground, narrowly missing the house. John said: "The gusts felt very close to 100 mph, they were so powerful.

"I had let Angus out the back for the toilet and called in him, I was in the kitchen when I heard a huge crack and the tree came down. He could have been really hurt because he had just been out where the massive branches fell.

Angus is deaf, struggles to see, has a heart murmur, had a tumour out last year, and has pancreatitis so he has suffered enough without a tree falling on him. He is older but still runs home for his dinner and loves being at home in his own space, he has a good life."

An image of a man, woman and dog standing next to a fallen tree. — John with his wife Karin, and Angus. -Credit:Newsquest / SWNS

John said it felt like their property was being battered by 100 mph winds as the Met Office issued a rare red alert for strong winds. He feels very lucky his safe his dog and house were kept safe.

He added: "There has been damage to the fence and gate but it feels superficial as things could have been a lot worse. We have wanted the council to get these trees down for years so at least they may finally do that now."

Storm Eowyn hit the UK with winds of up to 100mph and left more than 100,000 people across Scotland without power. Disruption to travel continues for a third day, with many ScotRail services still unable to run due to fallen trees and debris blocking lines, which Network Rail are working to remove.

John Swinney appealed for the public's "patience" while work to restore services was carried out. In a post on social media, the First Minister said: "After the significant impact of Storm Éowyn, work is underway to restore power supplies and transport networks.

"It will take some time to complete and I appeal for the patience of the public. Power company staff and our public servants are working at speed to restore services".

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