A devastated owner has told how her beloved pup was brutally mauled to death in an 'unprovoked attack' by another dog.
Glasgow Royal Infirmary nurse Lorraine Doherty was taking tiny Lhsa Apso Jinky, nine, for a late walk around 10pm on Monday April 26 when tragedy struck.
Having only made it a few steps from their door in Glenmavis, Lanarkshire, another dog, believed to be a Rhodesian Ridgeback, ran up behind them and jumped on the poor pooch.
Lorraine and fellow owner Julie Wilkinson, also a nurse, believe the dog had escaped from a property in the area before the incident.
She said the dog ripped 'chunks from Jinky's back' and there was blood everywhere in seconds.
Lorraine, who struggles to sleep after losing her pup, told Lanarkshire Live : "I'm devastated.
"The dog came up behind me and jumped right on top of him. It was a big, dangerous dog.
"I had only taken a couple of steps outside. It was terrible. I don't know what I'm going to do.
"I had a pelvic injury six years ago so I spent a lot of time with him myself. He was always with me 24/7."
Little Jinky was rushed to the vets with shocking injuries, including ruptured bladder, severe bite marks and a badly damaged spine and abdomen.
Sadly, there was nothing that could be done to save him, leaving Lorraine and Julie completely heartbroken without their 'wee dog'.
Julie said: "His wee tongue was just hanging out of his mouth - he was completely lifeless.
"He was a lifeline for Lorraine. She's been through some injuries herself and he was there 24/7 with her during her recovery.
"He didn't deserve to be taken like that. We are absolutely heartbroken, our wee dog was never off the lead.
"Jinky was our way to de-stress especially after the last year working in the hospital.
"Our highlight was coming home to him after our shifts and getting such a lovely welcome. He always put a performance on for us."
Police say they investigated the incident but have passed the matter to the dog warden.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman told Lanarkshire Live : "We received a report of a dog attacking another dog at 10.20pm on Monday, 26 April, 2021.
"Enquiries were carried out and the matter was passed to the Dog Warden."
North Lanarkshire Council say they are aware of the incident and that their animal welfare officer has investigated it, with "appropriate action is being taken".
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