Yahoo News 'I'll never forget her screams': Woman's horror after beloved dog savaged by 'XL bully-type'
A heartbroken dog owner whose beloved pet was ravaged by an ‘XL bully-type’ has spoken of her utter devastation.
Gemma Krzesinska was walking her three Lupine dogs Zues, Dax and Toki along the Bridgewater canal path in Leigh when the attack unfolded on April 8.
The 36-year-old says they weren’t far from home when she noticed a man with an XL bully-type dog walking ahead of them.
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Concerned about the animal’s aggressive behaviour, IT worker Gemma clipped elderly Toki onto her lead and kept the other two dogs to the side of her.
After passing the dog and its owner, who Gemma says was struggling to keep it under control, she carried on walking until she heard a noise behind her.
That’s when Gemma realised Toki’s lead had been ripped from her hand and the dog had her front leg in its mouth.
Gemma’s other pet, Zeus, attempted to fight off the aggressive animal but it bit him on the leg before grabbing Toki again.
Tragically, Gemma watched on in horror as the dog took Toki by the neck and shook her repeatedly.
Its helpless owner tried to take control before eventually choking it to release Toki from its grip.
But sadly, the damage had already been done and Toki, who had been by Gemma’s side for 14 years, was so badly injured she had to be put to sleep.
Now Gemma has spoken out about the devastating incident which has left her “traumatised” and “heartbroken”.
“Toki was in shock and unable to stand so I picked her up and carried her home as fast as I could,” she told the Manchester Evening News.
“Once I got home, I rushed her to the vets, but her injuries were so severe I had to make the decision to have her put to sleep.
“Her front leg had been bitten through causing muscle damage and nerve damage and she would probably not be able to walk on it properly again.
“Being an older girl, her back legs were already not very strong, the injury to the back of her neck and head was substantial, her flesh had been completely ripped away from the underlying tissue all the way up to and including the scalp.
“There was a huge flap of skin ripped open on the back of her neck and shoulders and damage to the muscles and flesh underneath as well.
“Along with this there was the inevitable risk of necrosis due to the fact that it was a dog bite. The vets were fantastic and did everything they could to make her comfortable and stable and made sure I was okay as well as I was also in shock and dealing with the trauma.”
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident has been reported but no arrests have been made at this time. Gemma says the attack has left her feeling 'on edge' while her other dogs are now more anxious when out on walks.
“It happened so quickly I was just trying to deal with what was happening,” she added. “I will never forget her screams as she was shook by that dog.
“I was traumatised and heartbroken, Toki was more than just a dog to me she was family. We have been through so much together and without her I wouldn't have many of my closest friends or have had so many wonderful experiences.
“We've worked big public events like comic-cons and festivals, photoshoots with models etc. My dogs are my pride and joy and she was my first ever Lupine and had been by my side for nearly 14 years.
“It's made me so nervous being out with my dogs now, walking them always was my peaceful start to the day enjoying nature together and now I feel on edge and it has especially affected Dax, she is much more anxious on walks now.”
A fundraiser has now been set up to help Gemma pay for vet bills and a cremation fee.
