A DISTRAUGHT pet owner has told how his much-loved puppy was savaged by two vicious dogs while out for a walk.

Four-month-old golden retriever Flori was left covered in blood and needing stitches as the other dogs, thought to be of the St Bernard breed, locked their jaws around her chest.

Robin Leishman, Flori’s owner, was left horrified by the attack and is appealing for help to trace those responsible.

He told The Gazette: “I was absolutely gutted when I saw Flori, my stomach just completely dropped.

“The dogs were with a young couple and were of the St Bernard-style breed.

“I hope someone knows who they are as I really don’t want this to happen to another dog.”

Robin, from Kilbarchan, was at work when Flori was attacked while out with his partner’s parents at around 2pm on Friday, March 9.

The attack took place just off Station Road, in Howwood.

“My girlfriend’s mum and dad, Billy and Susan, were showing the couple how to open the gate leading down to the footpath to Lochwinnoch,” said Robin, 29.

“It was then that the couple’s two dogs – one older and one younger – turned on Flori and left her chest in some state.

“They didn’t know how bad the bites were because she was covered in mud after being on her walk.

“The second they started washing her, they saw how much blood was coming from her chest.

“The bites needed to be stitched and the vet was worried it would need a drain due to how deep the wound was.”

Thankfully, Flori is now making a good recovery but Robin fears the trauma may mean she is nervous around other dogs.

Robin added: “Apparently, during the attack, the owners did nothing – they just stood there, looking shocked.

“Billy had to get both the dogs off Flori by himself.

“I haven’t reported this to the police yet as I am hoping to resolve it just by speaking to the couple directly.

“I don’t want to run the risk of them putting the dog down. So long as they adjust their handling of the dog, I’ll be happy.”

Anyone with information about the attack on Flori is asked to get in touch with Robin by email at robin_leishman@yahoo.com.