A woman has been left with horrific hand injuries after being mauled by an out-of-control dog while trying to protect her own pooch.
Sara Hay, from Tillydrone in Aberdeen , has shared images of her wounds after the black Staffie-type animal pounced on her and her dog Honey.
The 25-year-old posted a warning on Facebook to locals after the dog came bursting into her flat on Pennan Road when she opened her door.
Sara was taken to the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for operations on both hands.
Describing the horror incident, she told STV News : "I had to get on the floor and tried to wrestle it off.
"The dog had a massive grab - the Staffie had a hold of Honey and my hand and dragged me into the kitchen."
Her dog Honey, a whippet-greyhound mix, was taken to the vet and was given stitches for her wounds.
Despite needing extensive treatment for a broken finger, snapped ligaments and damage to nerves and tendons, Sara says she doesn't want the Staffie to be destroyed as a result of Monday incident.
She told the broadcaster: "I started screaming and I couldn't move my pinky. When I got put into hospital my hand wouldn't stop bleeding.
"I was really scared but I was more confused at what happened. All I could hear was my dog squealing - I thought she was dying.
"I started panicking and after an hour or two I thought I had lost my pinkie and it would probably be easier to just get it taken off.
"It was out of the owner's control but I don't want to see an animal put down as every dog can do something like this."
Terrified Sara is now staying with her mum following the incident, and is hoping to try to find a new home.
She explained: "I'm not going back to my house ever again - I can't even go to the toilet properly.
"I may have chronic pain for the rest of my life - I will never have full movement in my right hand again."
Hundreds of people have shared Sara's warning on Facebook, with even more commenting to offer support.
Claire Shah said: "So sad and so noble of you to actually put your own little pooch first (know many that wouldn't).
"Here's to a speedy recovery for you and hope your hands are as good as new soon".
Karen Walker added: "Wishing you a speedy recovery mentally, emotionally and physically. What a horrendous ordeal to go through, you're a very brave lady".
And Pamela Hughes said: "I am so sorry for what you must be going through... but you saved your dog.
"You really are an amazing dog mum, and I truly hope you heal well both physically and mentally as such an attack must cause mental and emotional stress".
Tillydrone community policing team inspector Lee Jardine said: "We have launched an investigation after a woman was bitten by a dog in the Pennan Road area of Aberdeen on Monday.
"The dog is believed to be a black Staffie-type dog.
"Our inquiries are ongoing".
Anyone with information is urged to contact police via 101 quoting incident 2169 of August 12.
