A Calgary couple, Cheryl and Chris Beattie, are thankful their dog is still alive.
Their dog, Shadow, was viciously attacked Friday in the Beattie's backyard in the community of Highland Park in the city's northwest.
The dogs, Black Labs or possibly Dobermans, ran into their backyard where Shadow was playing.
The dogs were eventually pulled off by a bystander who the Beatties believe was the owner.
The owner and the dogs quickly disappeared as the Beatties rushed Shadow to the vet.
The dog underwent surgery and is now recovering with several hundred stitches, but Cheryl Beattie says they're scared of being in their own backyard.
"I felt helpless. I didn't know what to do. I just couldn't believe it was happening. We're in our own backyard, we should feel safe."
Bylaw officers are now trying to track down the dog's owner.
The dogs were off-leash when the attack happened, which breaks city bylaws.
Bylaw officers are also concerned that they may pose a threat to other animals or even people.
They're hoping the public come forward if they know who the owner is.
Anyone who has information about the dogs involved in the attack is asked to call 3-1-1.
