Cookie

Beloved best friend, Cookie, received urgent treatment at Gateshead PDSA after being bitten by another dog on a peaceful walk. 

Cookie, a seven-year-old Bichon Frise, was rushed to Gateshead PDSA for emergency treatment after suffering traumatic injuries during a devastating dog bite incident while out on a peaceful walk with her owner in Newcastle.

Cookie means ‘everything’ to her owner, Filiz. After being abandoned earlier in life, Cookie found a loving home where she quickly became a treasured member of the family and an important source of emotional support and companionship.  

Describing her close bond, Filiz said, “Cookie is not just a dog, she is my baby and my emotional support. She is deeply attached to me and follows me everywhere.” 

The terrifying incident happened on the 5 May 2026 at a park in Newcastle. What had started as a normal, peaceful walk quickly turned traumatic when another dog suddenly attacked Cookie, grabbing her around her neck and shaking her several times. 

Filiz said; “The experience was truly a nightmare for me and my family. I felt terrified, helpless and completely in shock. I was crying because Cookie is not just my dog – she is my baby and emotional support, but the care we received from PDSA made such a difference. I also remember feeling powerless because everything happened so quickly”  

Following the attack, Cookie was initially seen by a private vet before being transferred to the out-of-hours service provider at Gateshead PDSA for emergency treatment. 

During her examination, the veterinary team discovered a laceration to the left side of her neck, a puncture wound to the right side of her face and grazing to the right side of her neck. Given the nature of bite wounds, the team acted quickly to clean and treat Cookie’s injuries to reduce the risk of infection and prevent further complications.

To manage her pain and keep her comfortable during treatment, Cookie was given two types of pain relief alongside a local anaesthetic to her largest wound. 

The veterinary team carefully clipped and cleaned the affected area before applying staples to close the wound. Cookie was also prescribed antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. 

Speaking about the emergency treatment Cookie received, Filiz praised the veterinary team for helping her stay calm during an incredibly distressing experience. 

She said, “The emergency vet was very calm and knowledgeable and helped both Cookie and me feel safe during a terrifying moment.” 

Cookie returned for follow-up checks the following day so the team could monitor her healing and recovery. She had bruising around her neck and chin and was understandably shaken following the attack, but overall, she was recovering positively.  

Over the following days, Cookie slowly began regaining her confidence. Although physically healing well, the emotional impact of the attack took longer to overcome. Filiz says Cookie became clingier and more cautious after the incident, often wanting reassurance and comfort from her family.  

Ten days later, Cookie’s staples were removed after the wound healed successfully. 

Despite the traumatic experience, Cookie’s gentle and loving personality continues to shine through. She enjoys cuddles, quiet walks and spending time close to her family, and Filiz says their bond has become even stronger following the ordeal. 

As someone living with a disability and health difficulties, Filiz says PDSA’s charitable services made an enormous difference during one of the most traumatic periods of her life. Without access to affordable vet care, she fears she would have struggled to get Cookie the urgent treatment she desperately needed. 

She said, “If PDSA’s charitable services did not exist, I honestly do not know what would have happened to us. I could not have managed the emergency treatment Cookie urgently needed on my own. PDSA gave Cookie immediate, life-saving care and emotionally supported me during one of the most traumatic experiences of my life.” 

PDSA funded Cookie’s emergency treatment and follow-up care, which came to a total of £207.18. 

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