A 13-year-old Jack Russell Terrier had live-saving emergency surgery after it was attacked by a loose pooch and shaken "like a rag doll".

Gateshead pet owner Janine Webb was heading out for her routine dog walk last month with her teenage pup Lucy when disaster struck - a neighbourhood dog escaped and viciously attacked Lucy.

Lucy was quickly freed by two local police officers who happened to be passing but was seriously injured and was advised to head straight to the vets.

The Northern Echo: Janine and her pup Lucy.Janine and her pup Lucy. (Image: PDSA)

Janine said: "We only managed to take a few steps out of my garden when the dog from over the road who had escaped, darted over, and latched onto Lucy.

"I tried to get Lucy away, but the dog shook her like a rag doll. I quickly realised that he wasn’t going to let go.

"I was heartbroken leaving the pet hospital alone. It was the first time we had ever been apart, and I was terrified that we may have said goodbye for good."

Faith Willsher, a Vet Surgeon at Gateshead PDSA Pet Hospital treated Lucy.

She said: "Lucy’s injuries were severe. On first examination, she had very prominent bite wounds along her back, some of which were deep.

"She was admitted for pain relief, antibiotics, a drip, and sedation so we could further assess her wounds."

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Following treatment, support by PDSA and an agonising 48 hours apart, Lucy and Janine were reunited and a month later following further treatment, she was signed off.

Janine said: "I honestly don’t know what I would have done if PDSA didn’t exist. I receive benefits, so there’s no way I would have been able to pay for the treatment she needed – it’s money I don’t have to spare.

"I would have gotten into debt or been forced to do the unthinkable and put Lucy to sleep. But she is my world and best friend; she’s the gentlest, loving dog I’ve ever known."