A Tenambit woman was in her front garden enjoying the last bit of weekend sunlight with her pet pup Bonnie when a vicious stray dog launched an unprovoked attack on both of them. The stray, described as a black rottweiler, first went for Bonnie, pinning her to the ground and ripping open her stomach. The dog then turned its attention to pet owner Jenny. “It happened so quick I didn’t have time to think,” she said. “First it lunged for the dog and then my instinct kicked in to save Bonnie, but then it went for me. “When it was all over I looked down and I thought my little finger had been ripped off. “I couldn’t believe what had happened.” The attack occurred on Sunday evening on Valentia Parade about 8pm. A neighbour chased off the attacking dog, which fled down the street. “I had just left the house and I got a call saying Jenny had been attacked and I better get home,” partner John said. “I walked in and there was blood everywhere on Jenny and we had to call triple-0. “The poor little dog wouldn’t come out of the corner; she was just cowering there.” Jenny suffered deep cuts to her hands, damage to one of her thumbs and to tendons. She was taken to Maitland Hospital where she underwent surgery on Monday and remains in recovery. “Bonnie had all of the skin torn away from her middle, the flesh was just ripped up, she was pretty messed up,” John said. Bonnie was taken an emergency veterinary clinic and also underwent surgery on Monday. It cost the couple more than $1200 in vet bills and Bonnie remains in care at a Morpeth clinic. The couple has spoken out about the attack to warn other residents. “We often see a little girl walking her dog down the street,” John said. “If that had been her it would have been devastating; they’d have been dead.” Maitland City Council development and environment manager David Simm said they had been notified about the incident on Monday morning. “Rangers are continuing to gather evidence and a search for the dog is under way,” he said. “It is an important reminder for all pet owners that they have a responsibility to manage and control their animals at all times.” If residents witness an aggressive animal in their neighbourhood they should contact the council on 4934 9700 immediately.