Bride and 3yo dachshund mauled at dog park, seven weeks before wedding
A soon-to-be married couple have spoken out after their beloved dachshund was viciously attacked at a dog park. Warning: Graphic
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A day out at a dog park almost ended in tragedy for a miniature dachshund and its owner, who were both aggressively attacked by a larger breed.
Just weeks out from her fairytale wedding, bodybuilder Isabella Payne and her four-legged fur baby Lola fell victim to a shocking mauling when they were set upon by a hostile bull terrier.
The pair were with Ms Payne’s fiance Jacob Thirkettle at an off-leash park on the Gold Coast on Wednesday when the “unprovoked” attack unfolded.
Both the bride-to-be and her dog sustained horrific injuries, with Ms Payne enduring a number of bruises, scratches and punctures from being bitten in the attack.
Meanwhile Lola was severely injured, with her injuries potentially life-threatening if Ms Payne didn’t step in.
The incident occurred just seven weeks prior to Ms Payne and Mr Thirkettle tying the knot.
“One of the worst possible things happened to Lola, our 3-year-old miniature dachshund and Isabelle, my fiancee,” Mr Thirkettle wrote on a GoFundMe page set up for the pair.
“They were both attacked unprovoked and mauled by another dog while at an off-leash dog park on the Gold Coast and my fiance was very badly injured trying to extract Lola from its grip.
“Safe to say that without Isabelle‘s quick thinking Lola wouldn’t be here with us today.”
Mr Thirkettle continued by thanking members of the community who assisted his partner and their dog by coming “to their rescue”.
Following the incident, Lola was rushed to the vet where she underwent surgery to repair lacerations on her back and the fur near her ribcage.
“Lola’s operation went well but she still has a long journey ahead with her recovery and it’s early days,” Mr Thirkettle said.
The soon-to-be wedded couple set up the GoFundMe page in a bid to save up enough money to cover Lola’s vet bills, with the dachshund requiring further vet visits and ongoing treatment.
Generous Australians have since helped the couple raise more than their $2000 goal, with the pair receiving $520 more than their target.
“We just want to thank everyone who’s supported the go fund me and for all the messages we’ve both received,” the pair posted in an update.
“We’re honestly just so grateful to everyone and are deeply overwhelmed by the love and incredible support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The pair have another dachshund who hasn’t left Lola’s side, according to a video Ms Payne posted to Instagram showing her and Lola’s recovery.
Originally published as Bride and 3yo dachshund mauled at dog park, seven weeks before wedding
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