A family has been left devastated after their beloved pet dog died after he was "scared to death" on Bonfire Night.
Judith and Malcolm Watson's dog Dexter had been shaking and cowering as fireworks were set off around their home in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, Teesside Live reports.
Just after 6pm, a huge bang caused Dexter to run out of the room and when Judith found him, the terrified dog had collapsed in the downstairs' bathroom.
"I thought he was just in there trembling at first but he was laid flat out on the floor," said Judith, 63.
"Then I realised he had gone. I don't know exactly where dogs' hearts are but I tried pressing his chest and blowing into his mouth.
"But it was so quick and there was nothing I could do to bring him back."
Every Friday, Dexter would walk with Malcolm, 67, to a fish and chip shop where he would get a treat of a sausage.
But they had to keep him indoors on Friday as it was Bonfire Night and, like many pets, Dexter was nervous of loud noises.
After the much-loved dog collapsed, frantic Judith called Malcolm who rushed home.
"I was screaming and shouting Dexter's name over and over," said Judith. "I was just hugging the dog and crying for a long time.
"At the time I really wanted to hit something. There was that almighty bang then another one came when he had already gone.
"It did die down eventually. And it's all finished now - people have had their so-called fun but our whole lives have changed.
"He still had a lot of life left, it's so unfair and so senseless."
Dexter, a Labrador staffie cross, initially belonged to the couple's son Michael but didn't get on with his other dog so he came to live with Judith and Malcolm.
He was also a much-loved friend of the couple's two-year-old granddaughter, Liliah-Mae.
She and Dexter and were best friends, said Judith.
"My son had to try and explain to her he's gone," she said. "She came in and said 'Dexter's gone' and held her arms out to my husband.
"She kept mentioning him during the day and even when we got her home she asked about him again and we had to say 'no, he's not here'."
Dexter was 10 years old and had arthritis but still loved his walks, going to the beach and playing with his ball.
"He still thought he was six months old - he was so bright and happy and highly energetic," said Judith.
The couple adored their dog and worked their lives around the beloved pet.
Judith works at Tesco in Coulby Newham and took the night shifts so someone would always be at home with Dexter.
He would sleep on the bed with her during the day, alerting her when it was time to get up or a parcel was being delivered.
The couple have a caravan which they used for most of their holidays so Dexter could tag along.
"So many things are going to change for us. We have lost a member of our family," she said.
