Michelle Barraza-Marriott, who is on holiday in Mexico with husband Andy Marriott, received the devastating call revealing their dog was about to die and needed to be put to sleep after being ‘ripped open’ in the attack.
Andy’s mum Jan, who was looking after Laika, dived in to help her son’s pet but ended up in hospital following the attack.
Jan, who walking Laika on a lead at around 7pm on Tuesday and had just got to the front door of St Matthias Church when another dog started running towards them and attacked.
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The dog and the owner involved in the attack have been identified and the animal has subsequently been put to sleep.
Jan called her other son Richard for help after the attack.
He told the Gazette the owner had the attacking dog on a lead but could not control it.
He added: “Laika was ripped open, it was horrendous.
“The owner dived on the attacking dog and told mum to pick up Laika and run.
“Mum was in total shock, she managed to get the dog inside, called me and called the police, but Laika’s guts were hanging out of her and when I got there, mum was covered in blood- I didn’t know if it was hers or the dogs.”
Richard managed to get the dog to an out-of-hours vet in Warndon and was on his way to get his mum some medical treatment when he received the call saying Laika wouldn’t make it.
He added: “We were told we had to put her to sleep or leave her to die, and I couldn’t make that decision so we parked up and called my brother and his wife.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do to tell my brother his pride and joy was dying- me and mum cried in the car park afterwards.”
Jan suffered severe bite wounds to her hands and face and was still in hospital as of Wednesday afternoon as she was waiting for her wounds to be given a surgical washout.
Michelle paid tribute to her beloved pet Laika, adding: “She was the most loving and gentle dog, and our family is devastated.
“My husband and I are struggling to cope with both this loss and my mother-in-law’s ordeal.”
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “Since the incident, lots of people have been in touch offering useful information to help us identify the owner of the dog involved in the incident.
“We would like to inform you that with your help, we have identified the dog, and the owner involved, and the dog has subsequently been put to sleep.
“Please be assured that we will make all efforts to ensure that there is no further risk to the community.”
Contact police quoting crime reference number 3557JAN2025 if you have any information.