A family in Armadale have been left absolutely devastated after their four legged family member was allegedly struck by a speeding vehicle outside of their home.
To make matters worse, the driver was said to have stopped and put on their hazards but then drove off within seconds of the incident.
It took place on Station Road in the West Lothian town of Armadale at around 3:00pm.
Bear, who is just 14 months old, unfortunately managed to get out of the front door and attempted to run across the road to play with another dog when he was hit by a car that was claimed to be speeding along Station Road.
The person responsible was said to have made off without checking on the health of the dog or the wellbeing of Bear’s owners.
Samantha Mushet, 27, and her partner Greig Brown, 44, who live at their home with Greig’s son Finlay, 17, are said to be distraught about the incident and said that “he’s not just a dog, he’s our world.”
Friends of the family have started a JustGiving page to help the family cover the 20 per cent cost that they are left with after insurance.
Family friend, Sheena Douglas, started the fundraiser in the hope of raising the £3,000 that the family need to meet Bears costs.
The fundraiser states: “Luckily Bear is insured - but only so much.. we still have 20 per cent of the claim to pay for as well as another full week being in the specialist vets which is financially difficult for us as you can imagine we would never have dreamed of this ever happening to us.. like every family we live from day to day and just get by!
“Whoever done this to Bear is still driving about, drove away, then obviously realised what they have done but then continued to keep driving.”
On what happened during the incident and what Bear means to the family, Samantha said: “On Tuesday the 25th afternoon at about 2.58pm our beloved dog Bear was hit by a car on Station Road Armadale just over from Arnold Clark.
“Sadly Bear managed to escape when my step son was coming in the front door with his dad Greig. Bear then saw another pup across the road and wanted to play, he was then hit by a car speeding on a 20mph road.
“The driver put on his hazard lights and stopped but then continued to drive on. Within minutes of the accident we had Bear in the car and straight to the vets in Livingston where he stayed overnight getting X-rays, fluids and other medication to keep him going and try and ease the pain.
“Yesterday (Wednesday 26th) we had the worst phone call ever, we had to go and pick Bear up from the vets in Livingston and take him to a specialist vets as he was needing an emergency operation. He had his operation at 5.20pm. He has suffered a pelvic fracture, ruptured urethra, trauma to his prostate, bruising on his abdomen, blood in his bladder and of course the trauma and pain that the little man is suffering.
“He has a catheter now and they are trying to keep him with us and manage the pain, but we are still very much unsure of the outcome which breaks my heart because he’s our family. He is still in ITU in the specialist vets and will be for at least 5-7 days.
“Bear is the most gentle, loving, great natured dog you will ever meet. Everyone loves him. The vets even commented on how much they loved him! Bear means the world to us and the last few days have been heartbreaking for us as a family. He brought us all closer and the house feels empty without him. We have another dog Belle who is only nine months and she is distraught without him here.
“He tends to sleep under our bed and now she’s stolen his space and is keeping it warm until he’s home! We are hoping and praying that he is home soon. We will keep fighting for Bear and we will do everything we can to find out who did this to him. He’s not just a dog, he’s our world.”
It is understood that police are looking into the incident and that local businesses have been asked for CCTV to see if they are able to identify the hit and run culprit.
The crime reference number for the incident is: 364625 and anyone with any information relating to the incident is urged to contact the police or the family.
Samantha, Greig and Finlay are asking that anyone in the area at the time of the incident that could help catch the alleged speeder to come forward.
Those able to support the fund that will be used for veterinary treatment are asked to donate at the attached link here.
Police Scotland were contacted for comment.
