Nottingham Pet Crematorium has come to the aid of a Mansfield woman left heartbroken after her pet dog died in her arms due to injuries from a brutal attack by an unmuzzled suspected XL Bully-type dog.
Rita Harbury-Carlisle, owner of the West Bridgford-based crematorium, offered to look after the beloved pet free of charge after reading about an appeal for help with cremation costs.
Angie Macis and her daughter Becky’s beloved eight-year-old dog, Cookie, was attacked in Oak Tree, Mansfield, on Thursday, 16 January, by an unmuzzled XL Bully-type dog. Cookie passed away in Angie’s arms from injuries sustained during the attack.
Angie said: “I am traumatised. Every time I close my eyes, I can see Cookie being ripped apart. I tried to drag Cookie by her lead, but her harness slipped off. She just died so quickly. I ran into my flat and got her a towel, but it was too late.”
Despite the distressing ordeal, Angie is relieved that a child was not killed by the dog, as there were several in the area at the time.
While trying to rescue Cookie from the attack, Angie was also bitten and had a precautionary tetanus jab and antibiotics.
Cookie was collected from Mansfield by Nottingham Pet Crematorium and given an individual cremation. Angie collected the ashes in a traditional casket, along with a clipping of hair and paw prints.
Rita Harbury-Carlisle said: “I saw the awful news on social media, and as dog lovers ourselves, we decided to offer to help Angie. She has had such a traumatic experience, and we hope we have eased her pain in some way.”
Angie added: “Becky and I can’t thank Nottingham Pet Crematorium enough. They saw the appeal for help with cremation costs and offered to look after everything for me completely out of the blue. They have looked after Cookie and offered me such amazing support at this terrible time. They have done an absolutely lovely job. It’s such a lovely place and atmosphere at the crematorium. Everyone has been so kind.”
Nottingham Pet Crematorium is a family partnership run by Yorkie breeder Rita Harbury-Carlisle and her husband, John. The couple are pet lovers who once ran the Antara Luxurious Dog Hotel. They now concentrate on their 25-year-old cremation service, complete with chapels of rest and farewell rooms.
Nottingham Pet Crematorium is the only service of its kind in the East Midlands that has been independently inspected and approved by the Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria.
The couple provide a respectful service as an alternative to leaving your pet with the vet for disposal. Rita and John will listen to your wishes, explain the many alternatives available, and offer friendly advice. The beautiful surroundings at Nottingham Pet Crematorium are available, along with a collection service that includes the option to use their wonderful traditional hearse.
