Barkway’s Isobel urges dog walkers to be more responsible after pooch Pickle attacked on Royston’s Therfield Heath

The owner of a dog who was injured after being “flattened” by another in an attack on Therfield Heath in Royston has called on dog walkers to take more responsibility and not be out with ones they can’t control.

Isobel Anthony told the Crow she was enjoying only her second-ever walk on the heath with her beloved five-year-old pooch Pickle Perkin when he was attacked by a bigger dog.

Isobel said: “Pickle was in his harness and lead when we were rushed from behind, by what looked like a black lab – possibly a cross.

“The dog hit him with such force he was flattened, and screaming his little head off.

“I was just trying to get the dog off Pickle. Thankfully the dog was wearing a muzzle, and he had a lead on so had clearly escaped from its owner.

“The other dog’s owner was a very petite, blonde woman, who had the gall to yell at me!

“Her dog was jumping up at us and I was concerned both for my poor dog, who was petrified and shaking with fear, and for my own safety.

“Pickle is a cross-breed with Yorkshire terrier, toy poodle, and Jack Russell in him – he’s a little dog and didn’t stand a chance.”

Isobel had an asthma attack on the heath before she was able to get Pickle home but, after she did, she noticed in the days following that he started to act strangely.

Isobel said: “He’s usually such a bouncy, lively, happy dog, who would always run around and follow me, but after he was hurt he wasn’t his normal self.”

Pickle was checked over by vets in Buntingford, but his condition deteroriated and two days later he couldn’t stand at all.

On her vet’s advice, Isobel took Pickle to the Royal Veterinary College for an MRI scan, and subsequent and back operation.

His scan showed a problem disc right middle of his back and he needed spinal decompression surgery costing £4,000,

Isobel, who is orignally from Cornwall but moved to Barkway 10 years ago, said: “I’ve had to borrow the money, and will have to pay it back.

“Pickle is lucky he didn’t break his back, the vets told me the damage must have happened in the attack.”

“It is stressful at the moment, he’s going through physio, but his prognosis is good thankfully. “

Animal lover Isobel, who works with horses –started a crwodfunding page to cover the vets bills.

“It’s not something I would have thought of usually, but what happened was neither his, nor my fault, and I think the response so far has been amazing! There have been donations from as little as £4 to £50.

“This dog owner must’ve thought she was being responsible, as the dog was muzzled, but she couldn’t control the dog. I hope dog owners reading this who can’t control their dogs stay away from other dogs until they can.”

To donate to Pickle’s fund go to www.youcaring.com/pickleperkin-913535.