Lassie Never Did THIS

A frantic dog with an apparent fear of being left behind was responsible for stopping a Boeing 767 as it headed for the runway at a British airport this week.

Terry and Susan Smith were on the airliner, which was just pulling away from the gate at Manchester, when they happened to glance out the window... and saw their spaniel, Poppy, bounding after the plane. The two shouted to the pilot to stop the plane... and dashed out to help airport officials collar the canine.

London's Daily Mirror reports it took four airport vehicles to corner Poppy, before a very relieved Terry was able to scoop the adventurous canine into his arms.

"The poor thing was absolutely terrified," said Terry Smith. "We'd never have left her."

Airport officials believe Poppy chewed her way out of her cargo container, and escaped as the plane was preparing to leave the gate.

Animal Airlines -- the transport firm hired to put Poppy on the plane -- said it was the first time a dog had escaped in their 40 years of business.

The Smiths -- and their dogs -- caught a later flight... as Poppy had to spend some time in quarantine before she was allowed to board another plane.

FMI: www.animalairlines.co.uk