A good Samaritan has helped raise more than £1,000 to help an Aberdeen pensioner after he and his chihuahua, Doddie, were mauled by an “out of control” dog.
The 70-year-old, who does not wish to be named, was walking his beloved pet through the city’s Byron Square last week when they were attacked by a loose pitbull.
Doddie received severe injuries during the attack and risks having his leg amputated, with a veterinarian noting that he was “lucky to be alive”.
Only after transporting his dog to the vet did the pensioner seek help for his own injuries, being helped to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where medics had to repair tendons in his hand.
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Police have since launched an investigation and last night said inquiries were still ongoing.
Meanwhile Bruce Hawkins, a close friend of the dog owner, has started a fundraiser to help him pay vet bills.
He said he had been left “gobsmacked” by the response his appeal has received, with the donations to date for Doddie’s surgery standing at more than £1,600, and with more than 110 individual donors coming forward.
Mr Hawkins said: “I was absolutely sick to my stomach when I heard the news that poor Doddie had been ripped to bits by a pitbull.
“His owner, who I know well, initially thought he was dead and is still traumatised about the situation.
“I started the fundraiser on Sunday night to help out as best as I could – and it passed the £1,000 mark in just over 24 hours.
“We were lucky to have the fundraiser shared by some amazing people in the community who brought a lot of attention to Doddie’s plight.”
Mr Watkins, who works as a porter at Aberdeen University’s medical school, has already been in contact with Dodie’s vet in Dyce to discuss how the donations can be used to pay for surgery.
The 57-year-old said: “I am lost for words at the support. With £1,600 made so far it is just amazing.
“People have also given their support through messages and we’ve had donations from as far as Manchester and Ghana.
“Everyone from little Doddie’s family is truly gobsmacked with the effort everyone has made.”
Mr Watkins said he wished to thank Michael Sheran, Gary Forbes and online groups Growing up in Hilton, Growing up in Northfield and Growing up in Aberdeen in particular.
A police spokeswoman: “Officers received a report of an incident involving a dog at Byron Square in Aberdeen.
“The incident occurred at around 9.40am on Tuesday January 8 and resulted in a man and a small black dog being injured by another dog.
“Inquiries are ongoing.”
To donate to the fundraiser, visit Facebook and search for “Little Doddie mauled by pitbull“.
