Grandmother of dog attack victim remembers ‘inquisitive’ boy who was the centre of their world

The woman who tried to save her five-year-old grandson from a horrific Christmas Eve dog attack has remembered him as an “inquisitive” little boy who was obsessed with dinosaurs.

Manny Eveleigh was killed by a dog at a home at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast.

The woman who tried to save her five-year-old grandson from a horrific Christmas Eve dog attack has remembered him as an “inquisitive” little boy who was obsessed with dinosaurs.

Emmanuel “Manny” Eveleigh died in surgery after he was attacked by an english bull terrier-american bulldog cross at a home his family were house-sitting at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast.

It is understood he and his grandmother Rebecca had just got out of the pool when the homeowner’s dog, unprovoked, suddenly lunged.

Manny was bitten on the back and neck and was given a blood transfusion by paramedics but died during surgery.

Dog victim Manny Eveleigh with his father Angus

Rebecca, 41, was treated for injuries to her hands and arms from when she tried desperately to pull her grandson away from the animal.

A neighbour also jumped a backyard fence to help.

“Manny was a smart, inquisitive young boy, obsessed with all things dinosaur, an infectious smile and bouncing curls who lit up every room he entered,” she said in a statement to The Courier-Mail.

“He was the centre of our worlds and everyone who met him said how there was just something special about him.

“His great great grandmother always said he just has the X-factor.”

Rebecca said her son Angus had been a dedicated father and Manny was his best friend.

“There are no words that can describe our pain in losing him,” she said.

Manny Eveleigh with grandmother Rebecca, father Angus and family

“My son couldn’t have been a more perfect and dedicated father. This type of anguish is something no parent should ever have to endure.

“While they were father and son, they constantly referred to each other as best friends.”

She said Manny’s large close-knit family would never be the same again.

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and care that has come our way, and want to thank everyone who has reached out to us with their kindness and support.”

A GoFundMe page set up by family friend Craig Kavanagh has so far raised more than $15,000.

Mr Kavanagh said Manny’s father was a single dad who lived for his little boy.

“Angus is a single father who is very dedicated to providing the best for his little bud,” Mr Kavanagh wrote.

Paramedics at the scene of the tragedy on Christmas Eve. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“Manny was Angus’ world. His love for his son was immeasurable.”

Manny’s mother Samara Mctackett also wrote of her grief on a separate GoFundMe, asking for people to help give him the “send off he deserves”.

“He fought hard but his injuries were too severe for his little body to handle,” she said.

“How do I even deal with the loss of my baby, my first born, my whole entire world. You’d never expect this to happen to you.

“Never in a million years did I think I’d have to lay my child to rest but here I am.”

Mr Kavanagh said any money raised would go towards Manny’s funeral and covering Angus’ living expenses while he grieved.

Originally published as Grandmother of dog attack victim remembers ‘inquisitive’ boy who was the centre of their world