A Victoria man is urging dog owners to keep their pets leashed in public spaces after his beloved support dog was killed in a sudden attack on Dallas Road.
Trent Warlow told Victoria Buzz he was on the beach near Mile Zero at around 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 11th, and was preparing to leave when he stopped to speak with friends.
His six-year-old dog, Loki, was on a standard leash and sniffing around near the group’s feet when Warlow suddenly felt the leash being pulled.
“I felt a sudden tug on the leash and saw that a larger dog had got hold of him,” Warlow told Victoria Buzz.
Warlow said the other dog was not leashed and there had been no barking, growling or other warning before the attack.
“It all happened really, really quickly,” he said. “I didn’t even know the attacking dog was in the area.”
Warlow and several bystanders immediately tried to separate the dogs. He managed to restrain the larger dog and pull its jaws apart, but Loki’s injuries were too severe.
A friend drove Warlow and Loki to VCA Canada Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital, where veterinary staff attempted to help.
“The veterinary team did all that they could, but it was too late,” Warlow said. “I knew Loki died in my arms down at the beach, really, but I was desperate to try to save him.”
No one who intervened is believed to have been physically injured, although Warlow said the experience was traumatic for everyone involved.
The other dog’s handler remained at the beach and provided contact information. Witness information and statements were also provided to police and Victoria Animal Control.
Warlow said authorities are continuing to investigate and he does not want to speculate about what may happen next.
Beyond being a beloved companion, Loki worked as a support dog at Shoreline Community School, helping children with diverse abilities and autism.
Warlow said Loki would sit with students who were feeling anxious or overwhelmed, helping them calm down. He added that his presence also helped children learn how to interact with animals with respect and empathy.
“He also helped me build trust and connections with the kids and helped us build a sense of community in the classroom,” Warlow said.
Warlow described Loki as an affectionate, outgoing and energetic dog who loved people.
“I want people to remember him for the kind soul he was and the joy he brought into people’s lives, whether you were a stranger or a friend,” he said. “He was a dog that brought people together.”
Warlow stressed that his message is not about targeting a particular breed. Instead, he wants owners to keep control of their dogs and use leashes in public spaces that are not designated off-leash areas.
“Dogs are never fully predictable,” he said. “You should have control over your animal at all times. Things can go wrong in a split-second. It’s not worth the risk.”
He also clarified that Loki was leashed and did not bark at or provoke the other dog before the attack.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has since been created to help Warlow cover Loki’s cremation and the eventual cost of purchasing, vaccinating and training another support dog.
As of publication, the fundraiser had raised $2,545 toward its $5,000 goal.
Warlow said he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from friends, colleagues, neighbours and strangers since Loki’s death.
“It’s reminded me that Loki touched a lot of lives and that I’m not alone,” he said. “I don’t want anybody else to go through what I just went through.”
Victoria Buzz has contacted Victoria Animal Control for information on the fate of the unleashed dog, but as of this publication, has not received a response.
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What helps him to be effective as a service dog is that he is off leash.
We have more assaults by vicPD than by dogs in this city.
What you're saying is akin to "turn in your hunting rifles because otherwise, the bad guys can have guns" it's just really not based on practical or reasonable facts.
We shouldn't assume that all dogs are so terrible that they must all be leashed at all times else the public is in danger. It's.. inherently wrong. As in, incorrect.
Leashes create aggression.
There was a machete attack in that same park last week. Have we banned gardening tools yet?
I'm saying, if you care about people with disabilities getting support, instead of spending $5k on a dog cremation, maybe spend that $ on legal challenges that actually give people dignity
Control comes first. The leash should always be secondary. I have seen a dog killed in a fight due to leashes getting tangled. This is a command issue and that owner should be charged with a violent offence. Rip Loki, you sounded like a legend.
