'Miracle' Moment Pet Mauled by Pack of Dogs Takes His First Steps

A video of a senior dog taking his first steps after a canine attack has left internet users in tears. The tear-jerking clip shared on March 13 by owner Raine Becker, 33, shows the moment Teddy, a miniature pinscher, climbs out of his bed and hobbles across their backyard. Becker told Newsweek that her husband, Ben, and their 13-year-old dog were attacked by three large dogs that had escaped from a property at the end of February. Both of the owners required emergency care, and vets believed Teddy would never walk again. "It was an unprovoked attack," Becker said. "Ben was bitten quite badly, but Teddy's injuries were much worse."

Becker said that 90 percent of Teddy's rear end and back muscles were "bitten off or completely severed" by three canine attackers. "Ben was able to get the dogs off Teddy, but it was too late; the damage was already extensive," Becker said. The couple from Karratha, Australia, have spent $6,500 on vet appointments, medication, a dog stroller, puppy pee mats, and other items to make Teddy's rehabilitation easier.

Read more

• Dog does something remarkable for sibling stressed after spell in kennel
• Watch shelter dogs "fully relax" in soundproof kennels
• Moment "noisy" senior rescue dog is warned she'll never be invited anywhere

Becker told Newsweek: "Three hours in surgery, the vet told me Teddy's injuries were much worse than he initially thought and it'll be a miracle if Teddy walks again." It has been a long road to recovery for Teddy, who was attacked on February 24. He has required around-the-clock care as he was bedridden for over a month. Becker, a customer service supervisor, added: "The first three weeks after Teddy came home were the most stressful, scary and exhausting weeks. Ben and I had many sleepless nights. "Teddy was on six different types of medication for the first four weeks, which needed to be given twice a day. The medication kept Teddy semi-sedated to limit his movement and assist healing. "We used syringes to feed and water Teddy until he could lift his head on his own," Becker said. "On Teddy's third week at home, Ben and I started encouraging him to use his legs. Five weeks after the attack, Teddy was able to walk a few meters on his own. "Teddy still has a very long way to go, but he has surprised us all with his progress so far," Becker added.

On March 13, Becker filmed the moment Teddy began walking again and shared it on TikTok (@rainebecker_). So far, the video has racked up 443,000 views. Becker said: "He looks like a baby learning to walk. He is very wobbly on his little legs, but he is trying so hard and I am sure he will be running along his favorite beach very soon." Becker has shared the following advice for owners in a bid to prevent this from happening again. "Be a responsible dog owner," she said. "This horrific attack could have easily been prevented if the dog owners made sure their dogs were secure in their yard and couldn't get out." Becker said owners should keep their dogs on a leash while walking and to ensure they get a sufficient amount of exercise to keep them stimulated. "Bored dogs often act up and can become a danger to others," she added. So far, the video has racked up 28,000 likes and almost 300 comments. "Thank you for not giving up!!" wrote one user. Another posted: "It's incredible how resilient dogs are. Sending love to you and your family." "I hate hearing about these things. Breaks my heart. People need to leash their dogs when out. Glad they are both ok," a third commenter added. A Karratha City Spokesperson told Newsweek: "As a result of an investigation, all three dogs involved have been formally declared dangerous and have been released to two separate households. "The City takes dog attacks very seriously and reminds all dog owners to ensure that their animals are adequately secured when at home and under control when in public places." An owner of a declared dangerous dog is required to:

• Display warning signs indicating a dangerous dog at all access points at the premises where the dog is kept;
• Ensure the dog wears a specific collar indicating a dangerous dog classification;
• Keep the dog in a child-proof and escape-proof enclosure when at home;
• Leash and muzzle the dog while in public places, or confine it in an enclosed place if not at home;
• Notify the local council within 24 hours if the dog is missing or ownership changes;
• Be 18 years or over and ensure anyone in charge of the dog in a public place is also 18 or over.

Dog bites pose a serious health risk to our communities and society. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for canine bites, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has shared the following tips that are aimed to help owners prevent their dogs biting:

1. Socialization as a puppy: Introduce your puppy to various people and animals to help it feel comfortable in different situations as it grows.
2. Supervise interactions: Be present when your dog interacts with unfamiliar people, and avoid forcing interactions if someone seems hesitant or fearful. Sudden changes in play can lead to aggression, especially with children. Teach kids the importance of positive interactions with animals.
3. Monitor behavior: Remove your dog from situations where it shows signs of anxiety, agitation, or inappropriate behavior. Provide a safe and quiet space to calm down. This isn't punishment; it is interrupting unwanted behaviors to prevent them from becoming habits.
4. Secure resting space: Offer your dog a secure resting space and supervise them in potentially risky situations. Understand that your dog sees the world differently, so ensure their safety while integrating them into family life.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.