A grieving pet owner is urging people to stop setting off fireworks in their own gardens this Bonfire Night after his beloved dog was killed following a surprise display.
Paul Wiltshire's dog Bert had been let out into their garden for 'a comfort break' at 7pm on Saturday (November 2) when the loud bangs spooked the Whiplington - Bedlington/whippet//terrier cross.
Bert bolted, jumped over a wall and ran off in panic.
Despite scouring bushes and hiding places "after the first salvo of flashes and bangs" to try to rescue him, Bert could not be found.
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Then the family received a terrible call at 7.20pm informing them he had been run over and killed about one-and-a-half miles away.
Mr Wiltshire, from Brize Norton, announced the news in a heart-breaking post on social media.
He started off saying 'Farewell dear friend' and said: "I know that there are thoughtless, innocent people in the world who want to delight their family and that my job was to protect a harmless, gentle, loving and faithful dog."
The post has had 5,000 views in two days on a neighbourhood network group and 63 heart-warming comments.
"One thing that must be mentioned is the kindness of strangers. There were 10-plus people standing in concern around my dying dog and expressing empathy at our loss," said Mr Wiltshire.
"There were another 30-plus drivers and passengers sitting quietly in a traffic jam many also offering us positive support as we recovered the body."
He added: "Bert was a rescue dog alongside his brother Barney both of whom were found by a walker tethered up in a local wood.
"Bert assumed the role of protector to our human/dog pack not realising he was the smallest member.
"From a tiny frightened puppy he grew into a loving family favourite."
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Many of the comments in response to the social media post came from pet owners who said fireworks should be kept for public celebrations rather than being let off at home.
Mr Wiltshire said people who are planning to set off fireworks this week should certainly warn their neighbours.
He said: "I am not against families having domestic firework parties but having experienced the use of a low height explosive, very bright and very loud salvo of whiz-bang fireworks three days before November 5 one cannot but suggest that more thought needs to be encouraged.
"Many, many years ago when my children were young we joyfully let off fireworks at home but my memory is of them not being so spectacularly bright and loud."
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