My Dog Was Mauled — I Need Help to Cover the £6k Vet Bill

Alfie Was Mauled – We Need Help

TRIGGER WARNING: This story involves a violent dog attack and may be distressing for some readers. Graphic content included.

Hey, I’m Ash, and I really didn’t think I’d be writing one of these. But I’m drowning and I don’t know what else to do.

On Wednesday 2nd April at 7:10am, I was walking my little dog Alfie (he’s a beautiful and sweet 6-year-old Maltese x Shih Tzu) on the lead, heading to the park. Out of nowhere, a Doberman-cross ran into Straight Road (directly opposite St Ursula’s School) and like any normal nice human being I put my arm up to warn the traffic and shouted. The dog then locked eyes on us and was running full speed toward Alfie. I tried to pick him up, but I wasn’t fast enough.

The Doberman grabbed Alfie and wouldn’t let go. I fell to the floor holding onto him while he screamed. I felt completely helpless, but I knew I couldn’t let go, or that dog would’ve run off with him. We were dragged into someone’s driveway, and the dog just kept going at him while I begged people to help. I was screaming for someone – anyone – to do something. Most were too scared. Eventually, someone got close enough to distract the dog and it let go for a second.

By this point I was on my back and had pulled Alf into my arms yet the dog instantly tried to then attack me and went for Alf again, so I tried to defend us by kicking the dog in the head.

That gave me just enough time to grab Alf and stand up. As I tried to get out of the driveway the dog kept trying to jump up at us and then chased us down the road, still trying to get to us.

As we ran off, I saw the dog run into the road again and someone with a blue car open their car door and grabbed the dog by the collar. As I drove past, heading straight to the emergency vet, I saw that same dog lying on its back having its belly rubbed and shortly after that person posted a picture of the same dog on the local Harold Hill community page where the family claimed their dog was safely at home whilst. Meanwhile, I was covered in blood and trying to save my best friend.

The police seized the dog. The owners turned up later, and my friend gave them my details. They said they’d pay the bill, but I’ve not received a penny. In fact, all I’ve had from them and their mates are abusive messages. No apology. Nothing. I even offered to help with their dog, despite what happened.

Later that day, the owner called and literally said: “Bit expensive, this vet bill, innit?” He told the vet he’d pay £1,000 – which they didn’t. The bill is now over £5,000, and I’ve had to cover it myself using credit cards.

The reason I’m only asking for help now is because I’ve really tried to do this on my own. I was hoping I could just wait for the legal proceedings to sort things out – but it’s become painfully clear that that’s not financially possible for me. The pressure is building, and it’s seriously starting to take a toll on my mental health.

I’ve tried to keep going. I’ve tried to stay strong. But I need help. And I hate saying that.

The police are investigating and I’m hoping we will receive justice by having the owner take responsibility (I do not want the dog being euthanised).

If you can spare anything – literally anything at all – I’d be so, so grateful. Every penny will go toward paying Alfie’s vet bills. If you want proof of the costs, I’m happy to send all the vet invoices over directly.

Please donate if you can and share. I’m exhausted, heartbroken, and doing my best – but I can’t do this alone anymore.

Thank you so much for reading.

All our love,

Ash &

Alfie

Romford Recorder: here

Havering Daily: here