15 February 2023 , 22:17
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The owner of a husky savaged by two other dogs in an attack which almost claimed her life now faces a £23k vet's bill.
Naevia, a six-year-old husky, was attacked by two "bulldog-types" on a beach in Redcar, Teesside, her family have said.
Owner Marie Hay was enjoying a leisurely stroll on Sunday when the dogs, which reportedly had no leads or collars, pounced.
Terrified, mum Marie rushed Naevia to the vets - only to find the £50 a month insurance wouldn't cover the eye-watering bill.
The costs of Naevia's treatment have been billed at £14,000, Teesside Live reports, but Marie has been told to expect this to rise to £23,000 after the pooch experienced complications with her recovery.
Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams
The family have now launched a GoFundMe page to pay the costs of their beloved pet's treatment.
Naevia was nearly killed in the savage attack (Marie Hay)Naevia has already undergone multiple surgeries and a blood transfusion at an emergency animal hospital after losing 83% of her blood in the attack plus more during surgery.
But the adored family pet isn't out of the woods yet, with more surgeries a possibility.
Marie, 40, said: "Naevia's operation went well but because of the catastrophic injuries the dogs caused, [she] lost 83 per cent of her blood.
Marie Hay has been left with a £23,000 vets bill as Naevia's insurance wouldn't cover the costs (Marie Hay)"During the operation she has lost a further five per cent so only has 12 per cent blood count and needs a blood transfusion.
"There is a risk with this but at this point the vet wants to throw everything at her - she has got this far."
Incredibly, benefactors who have heard of Naevia's plight have come out in force to donate, already raising nearly £40,000 as of Wednesday evening.
Marie said the support had been "overwhelming" and said any surplus money would be donated to other families facing unaffordable vets bills.
The dog owner said she was already planning to give £2,000 to a family in Ireland after their pet Shih Tzu, Teddy, was attacked by other dogs.
"The woman only needs £2,000 to get him to the point he won't need treatment anymore," Marie added.
Dog shot dead by police after mauling girl, 4, to death in horror attack
"I'm going to use some of Naevia's funding to pay for Teddy."
Cleveland Police have confirmed the dog attack was being investigated.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Officers attended the scene and took initial details including a counter allegation from the bulldogs’ owner.
"It’s understood at least one dog received veterinary treatment and a man and three women attended hospital for treatment - primarily for hand injuries."