A Scots family have been left devastated after their beloved dog was knocked down by an alleged hit and run driver.
Bear, who is just 14 months old, is fighting for his life after the incident, which took place on Station Road in Armadale, West Lothian, at around 3pm on Tuesday, January 25.
It is reported that the driver stopped and put on their hazards, before taking one look at the injured pooch and driving off.
Bear had managed to escape out the front door and was running across the road to play with another dog when he was hit by the car.
Owner Samantha Mushet and her partner Greig Brown have been left devastated by the incident, reports Edinburgh Live.
Samantha, 27, said: "Sadly Bear managed to escape when my step son was coming in the front door with his dad.
"He then saw another pup across the road and wanted to play, he was then hit by a car speeding on the 20mph road.
"The driver put on his hazard lights and stopped but then continued to drive on."
The family quickly rushed Bear to the vets following the crash.
Samantha said: "Within minutes 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.
“On Wednesday 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 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."
Samantha added: “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.
"He 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.”
Friends of the family have started a JustGiving page to help the family cover the 20 per cent cost of treatment that they are left with after insurance.
Family friend, Sheena Douglas, started the fundraiser in the hope of raising the £3,000. To help out, click here.
It is understood cops are looking into the incident and that local businesses have been asked for CCTV to see if they are able to identify the driver involved.
Police Scotland were contacted for comment.
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