An emotional moment captured on camera shows a dog owner being reunited with her precious pooch after she was brutally attacked on a walk. Marie Hay broke down in tears as she came face-to-face with her beloved husky Naevia again, all bandaged and bruised following the traumatic experience on the beach.
Marie was walking Naevia on a lead on Redcar beach when two 'bulldog type' dogs, not wearing collars, harnesses or leads, allegedly proceeded to attack the family pet. The mum-of-three rushed injured Naevia to the vets where she has since undergone multiple operations to save her life, Teesside Live reports.
After a fundraiser was set up to help with the medical costs, there has been an outpouring of support for the family, raising a whopping £21,000.
"There's still a long way to go, but in the right direction. I am absolutely overwhelmed by all the supportive people and kindness people have for her," Marie said.
It's been a long week awaiting updates from the amazing team at specialist vets Sedgefield Referrals, and Marie initially feared Naevia wouldn't survive.
Despite the six-year-old pooch being insured, claims for veterinary care were capped at £4,000 per incident, with Marie never dreaming she would need to spend that much.
In the hopes of saving her beloved dog, a GoFundMe page was set up to help with bills - and her £10,000 target was smashed in just four days.
Marie says that all of the money will go towards her care and getting her back up on her feet once she is safely out of hospital as she will need to go through rehabilitation.
On the kindness of donators, Marie said: "I have sobbed all night watching how kind people have been sharing her story and donating and replying to all of Naevia's supporters."
Updating those who contributed to the cause on her fundraising page, she added: "Naevia will need care even after she has returned home in building muscle back up and rehabilitation so all the donations will help her recovery massively.
"She is so strong and wanting to show you all how much she feels loved and wants to run again."
A Cleveland Police spokesperson previously said: "Police were called to the beach near the caravan park at Redcar just after 3pm on Sunday, 5th February to a report of a dog attack by two bulldog type pets on a husky.
"Officers attended the scene and took initial details including a counter allegation from the bulldogs' owner.
"It's understood at least one dog received veterinary treatment and a man and three women attended hospital for treatment - primarily for hand injuries.
"As part of ongoing enquiries we are obtaining more detailed accounts as well as details of any confirmed injuries to the dogs and people involved.
"Police have already spoken to a number of independent witnesses but would appeal for anyone who saw the incident or who may have footage of it to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting ref 022669."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
