Widowed grandfather 'lost' after beloved pet killed in dog attack in Glasgow

Warning: This article contains an image that some readers may find distressing

A widowed grandfather is “lost” after the dog that gave him “purpose in life” had to be put down after being attacked while out on a walk in Glasgow.

Raymond Riddell, 74, had formed a special bond with Cavapoochon Star after his wife passed away last year following a battle with cancer.

The two-year-old dog was out with his owner’s neighbour and eight-year-old son in Scotstoun when she was allegedly attacked by a Bullmastiff on Mother’s Day.

The dog was rushed to the vet after suffering a fractured pelvis, several puncture wounds, and damage to her intestines and bowel – before dying three days later in her sleep.

Sharon McGinley, 36, whose grandad owned Star, has revealed the family is “so upset” at losing a “special little dog”.

She told STV News: “My granda’s neighbour was walking Star as they always do, as they are very fond of Star.

“The dog was throwing Star about, it took a couple of guys to get Star from the dog’s mouth.

“Star was badly injured, we rushed her to the vet after my granda phoned in a state of shock and panic. When I got to the house Star was laying on the table covered in blood yelping in pain.

Cavapoochon Star suffered terrible injuries and needed surgery. Supplied

“The vet said, ‘if you want I can phone a specialist and ask if they could take on the case but it would be costly’.

“Star got the surgery and the treatment. The surgeon fixed everything from her end but sadly Star regurgitated her sick during the operation and this turned into pneumonia.

“She then had to have a further plasma infusion and be given oxygen therapy.

“At 6pm on Wednesday, they phoned to say she passed away in her sleep.

“The wee boy blames himself and had marks on his hands and his wrist was sore.”

Sharon revealed that the house was already “so empty” without her gran, and that Star had given her grampa a “purpose in life”.

A 57-year-old woman has since been charged in connection with an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Sharon told STV News: “The house is so empty without my gran; he would make Star home-cooked meals, take her out for lunch. She would go sit on his lap and follow him everywhere.

“Star gave my granda a purpose in life.

“He couldn’t even go to the bathroom and Star would yelp for him.

“He’s lost without her.

A spokesperson for the police said: “Around 2.05pm on March 19, 2023, police were called to reports of a dog attacking another dog near the Kingsway Court area in Glasgow.

“A 57-year-old woman has been charged in connection with an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

“No one was injured from the incident, and a report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”

To donate to Star’s fundraiser, click here.