Elanora’s Jennifer Althaus says Minnie the greyhound was slowly recovering from alleged bashing

The owner of Minnie the greyhound, who was allegedly bashed by an intruder, says Gold Coast police are investigating the incident.

Minnie the greyhound was allegedly bashed by a home intruder last Friday night. Minnie is a trained assistance dog for 13-year-old Celeste Douglas, who has autism. Fortunately, Minnie survived, but was left with horrific injuries, including a hole in her head. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS.

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MINNIE the Gold Coast greyhound who was allegedly attacked by an intruder last week is slowly improving, according to her owner Jen Althuas.

The seven-year-old assistance dog was allegedly hit with such force on her head it caused a compound fracture.

Ms Althaus said Minnie must have startled the alleged intruder about midnight on September 23.

She said Gold Coast police were investigating the incident that left Minnie with extensive injuries.

“An officer dropped around and had a long chat with me. Let’s hope we get the monster,” Ms Althaus said.

Pet Doctors Palm Beach veterinarian Dr Dylan Mallett treated Minnie and this week told Ms Althaus he was pleased with her progress.

“It’s a long road ahead of us but progression forward is looking positive,” she said.

‘Evil monster’ bashes pet while family sleeps

THE owner of a greyhound which was viciously bashed by an alleged intruder has described whoever was behind it as an evil monster.

Jennifer Althaus woke last Saturday to find her daughter’s seven-year-old service dog Minnie lying on her bed “near lifeless and surrounded by blood”.

Ms Althaus claims Minnie must have startled an intruder because there were broken pot plants outside and a wheelbarrow had been tipped on its side at their Elanora home.

“They’d moved our wheelbarrow and laid it across the path to I guess put a barrier between them and Minnie,” she said.

“They had knocked over pot plants and chairs so we knew someone was on the property.

“The neighbour said she heard a noise and her dog started barking about midnight so we think it happened about then.”

A Queensland Police Service spokesman confirmed police attended the residence about a harmed animal but did not state whether officers were investigating a possible break and enter.

Ms Althaus assessed Minnie and thought she might have cut her foot but it wasn’t until her husband patted her head they realised she was seriously injured.

She said her husband described Minnie’s head as “feeling like jelly” and rushed the sighthound to their vet.

Minnie the greyhound was allegedly bashed by a home intruder. She was left with horrific injuries, including a hole in her skull. Picture: Jerad Williams

She said the vet initially thought Minnie had been shot because of a hole between her eyes but X-rays ruled that out.

“The local vet suggested we take Minnie to the emergency vet at Carrara because they would be better equipped,” Ms Althaus said.

“They said the (alleged) intruder would have hit her a few times with brutal force to cause her injuries.”

Minnie survived, but was left with horrific injuries. Picture: Jerad Williams

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Pet Doctors Palm Beach veterinarian Dr Dylan Mallett said Minnie suffered open compound fracture of the frontal sinus which is why Minnie had a hole in her head.

Dr Mallett said she was not out of danger because the “suspicious trauma” would take a long time to heat.

“She’s a great tempered dog, she’s a very nice little dog that wouldn’t hurt a fly,” Dr Mallett said. “I was quite taken aback at the extent of her injury.”

Minnie was adopted by Ms Althaus about six years ago as an assistance dog for her 13-year-old daughter Celeste Douglas who has autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual delay.

She said Minnie was trained by Sunshine Coast-based organisation Smart Pups and helped Celeste keep her anxiety at bay.

Minnie is a trained assistance dog for 13-year-old Celeste Douglas, who has autism. Picture: Jerad Williams

The “placid” hound is back in the family home recovering but Ms Althaus said she would take months to heal.

“Celeste knows her friend is sick … she keeps going and sitting with Minnie and reading her books and showing her the iPad.”

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RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty confirmed it had received a complaint and was investigating.

Family friend Cathy Domoney has organised a GoFundMe fundraiser to pay for Minnie’s accumulating veterinary bills.

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