The owner of a dog attacked by an XL Bully dog has spoken out about being traumatised by the incident.
Gemma Krzesinska, 36, says she remains haunted by the screams of her pet lupine dog, Toki, who had to be put down due to her injuries.
Krzesinska was walking Toki along with her two other dogs along a canal in Leigh, Greater Manchester on April 8 when she came upon a man with an XL Bully.
The fierce dog launched a vicious attack on the older pet, sinking its teeth into the front leg of Toki.
The owner of a dog attacked by an XL Bully dog has spoken out about being traumatised by the incident (stock image)GettyDespite one of Krzesinska's other dogs trying to fight off the XL Bully, the attack continued.
Toki was grabbed by the neck by the XL Bully and repeatedly shaken.
The dog only released Krzesinska's pet from its mouth when the XL Bully's owner choked his animal to force it to release its victim.
"Once I got home, I rushed her to the vets, but her injuries were so severe I had to make the decision to have her put to sleep," Krzesinska told the Manchester Evening News.
"Her front leg had been bitten through causing muscle damage and nerve damage and she would probably not be able to walk on it properly again.
"Being an older girl, her back legs were already not very strong, the injury to the back of her neck and head was substantial, her flesh had been completely ripped away from the underlying tissue all the way up to and including the scalp.
"There was a huge flap of skin ripped open on the back of her neck and shoulders and damage to the muscles and flesh underneath as well.
“Along with this there was the inevitable risk of necrosis due to the fact that it was a dog bite.
"The vets were fantastic and did everything they could to make her comfortable and stable and made sure I was okay as well as I was also in shock and dealing with the trauma."
Recalling the attack, Krzesinska said that the noise made by Toki as she was attacked will live with her forever.
"It happened so quickly I was just trying to deal with what was happening," she added.
"I will never forget her screams as she was shook by that dog.
"I was traumatised and heartbroken, Toki was more than just a dog to me she was family. We have been through so much together and without her I wouldn't have many of my closest friends or have had so many wonderful experiences."