Beloved Brisbane dog attacked on walk in west Brisbane

“My heart was in my stomach”: Horror unfolded for a Brisbane disability support worker when she found her “kind and gentle” dog had been savaged near a west Brisbane school. WARNING: Graphic

A distressed Brisbane disability carer could be up to $7k out of pocket after her beloved dog Scout was viciously attacked near a school – leaving her covered in bite marks and with tears to her chest and stomach.

Taringa disability support worker Stephanie McGregor was walking her two dogs, Evie the border collie and Scout the rhodesian ridgeback, near Indooroopilly State School when the incident unfolded.

“We were near the tennis courts where you’re allowed to walk your dogs off leash,” Ms McGregor said.

A distressed Brisbane disability carer could be up to $7k out of pocket after her beloved dog Scout was viciously attacked near a school – leaving her covered in bite marks and with tears to her chest and stomach. Photo – contributed.

“I had my two dogs and three other dogs with me and they were up ahead so I called them to come back. They all came back except for Scout who is usually at the front of the pack.

“I started calling for her and running because I was worried when I heard her yelp.

“It was just this awful heart-wrenching yelp. You could hear her pain and fear. My heart was in my stomach.”

Ms McGregor said by the time she had reached her dog she had managed to get away, but she could see what looked like another person and two cattle dogs ahead.

“I approached the other owner to ask what happened and she just started screaming at me.

“I walked away without fully checking Scout’s injuries which I shouldn’t have done but I really don’t like confrontation.

A distressed Brisbane disability carer could be up to $7k out of pocket after her beloved dog Scout was viciously attacked near a school – leaving her covered in bite marks and with tears to her chest and stomach. Photo – contributed.

“When I was a bit away I got a torch out and had a look and it was much worse than I’d thought.”

Once she realised how badly injured Scout was, Ms McGregor went to find the other person to ask what she saw. But, she had already left.

“I could see that she was bleeding from an open chest wound,” Ms McGregor said.

“She had three large rips across her chest to her stomach.

“The vet also found bite marks on her chest, stomach, shoulders, and neck.

“We think Scout must have rolled over in submission to the other dogs and that they then attacked her while she was down.

“It’s just been heartbreaking to go through. I know she’s a big ridgeback and she looks aggressive but she’s a kind and gentle girl.”

Scout had surgery and had stitches for all of her bite marks.

“The vet had to reopen and clean the rips on her chest,” Ms McGregor said.

“To check if her lungs were okay. It was really deep and ripped through her muscle and skin.”

Despite having pet insurance, Ms McGregor said she is approximately $7000 out of pocket in vet bills.

A distressed Brisbane disability carer could be up to $7000 out of pocket after her beloved dog Scout was viciously attacked near a school – leaving her covered in bite marks and with tears to her chest and stomach. Photo – contributed.

She has started a GoFundMe page to raise money to help cover the costs.

Ms McGregor said the attack left her feeling shaken and worried about walking Scout again.

“What if Scout was a much smaller dog or even a small child? Those dogs would have killed her,” she said.

“I’m feeling scared about taking her for walks again after that.

“I was shaking, scared and thinking the worst … it is pretty scary thinking you might lose your dog. I just love her so much.

“She’s mostly just been in the house and yard so far. I think she’s doing okay mentally but I’m worried her demeanour might change and how this could impact her.”

Before the attack, Scout held an unofficial role at Ms McGregor’s place of work.

“She would come with me to help support people I care for a fair bit,” she said.

“They all loved her so much … she would always sit at the foot of their wheelchairs waiting for a pat.

“She’s always able to cheer them up and give some kisses for pats.

“She just loves children, people and other dogs. She’s a bit of a celebrity at the local dog parks.”

Scout has been suffering infections from her stitches and surgeries, and will need more medical attention before she is able to return to doing what she loves.