A DOG from Rhyl has been hailed as a “miracle” after surviving an attack which left him facing being put down.
Toby, a 13-year-old Cavapoo belonging to Michelle and Roger Capper, was bitten by a German Shepherd by the Maes Gwilym estate on August 22, 2023.
The German Shepherd’s owner, Simon Rowlands, 43, of Maes Y Gog, was ordered to pay the Cappers £900 in compensation, and a £162 fine, at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on January 29.
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Michelle said the incident caused deep puncture wounds to Toby, which led to vets discussing whether he could survive an operation and if euthanasia would be the best course of action.
But after Michelle and Roger expressed their unwillingness for Toby to be put down, he is on the mend to a full recovery, having “absolutely amazed” his owner.
“They left us to say goodbye to him, but we decided then that, whatever it cost or took, we just needed him,” Michelle said.
“He was then at the vets every single day for three months, then every week, and on Monday, they decided he’s done so well that he doesn’t have to go back for another month.
“They think the wound should be closed within four to six weeks. It was the best news ever; the vets are calling him a ‘little miracle dog’, because he shouldn’t have survived this.
“I feel absolutely amazed at him. We couldn’t have coped with any other outcome; he means the absolute world to us. This dog is our life.
“He’s the bravest dog I’ve ever known. He’s pulled us through this, with his strength.”
On six occasions, Michelle said, she and Roger were told that Toby would not survive his operation, and they had even begun to make plans for his cremation.
Despite Toby’s recovery, Michelle admitted that the attack, and the time that has passed since, has been “horrific” for her and her husband.
Vet fees – which Mr Rowlands will make a £900 contribution to – have exceeded £4,500, she said.
Roger, who witnessed the attack on Toby, has also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, takes medication and receives counselling.
Mr Rowlands had also previously been convicted of being in charge of a dog which caused injury at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court last October.
But Michelle said she did not see last week’s court outcome as a “win”, saying: “There’s still a dangerous dog out there, who has attacked before.
“It was never about the money; it’s about that dog still being out there. If he isn’t muzzled, there will be another story.
“It’s been horrendous, and I just don’t want anyone else to go through it. I would not wish it on my worst enemy.
“We’ve had the worst five months of our lives, with our emotions up and down.”
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