Dog lovers left heartbroken as 50kg ‘King Cane’ dies after chewing £12 rope toy
A heartbroken Lancashire mum is warning dog owners after her 50kg Cane Corso tragically died after swallowing part of a £12 rope toy bought on Amazon
Dog owners Antonia Speariett and partner Ryan Roocroft are heartbroken (Image: Iconic Media / SWNS)
A heartbroken dog lover has spoken out after her beloved 50kg pet tragically died after swallowing part of a rope toy bought off Amazon. Devastated Antonia Speariett, 31, was left shattered when five-year-old Cane Corso King Cane fell ill after playing with the £12 Sharlovy chewer toy.
The stay-at-home mum, from Coppull, near Wigan, Lancs, bought the foot-long multicoloured rope toy online last November as a treat for her colossal gentle giant.
At 5ft 2in on his hind legs, gentle giant King Cane was described by Antonia as a soft-natured dog who loved nothing more than long walks and snuggling on the sofa.
Antonia Speariett was left devastated when five-year-old Cane Corso King Cane died(Image: SWNS)
However, almost a year on, the pet owner noticed her usually energetic pup had suddenly transformed into a “shell of himself”.
Antonia said: “Cane began feeling unwell. He stopped eating, and although he was still drinking water, I knew something wasn’t right. As the days went on, his condition became increasingly worrying, and I knew he needed veterinary attention.”
Panicking Antonia and partner Ryan Roocroft, 31, rushed King Cane to Medivet Chorley. Veterinarians made a horrific discovery during their examination.
King Cane was described by Antonia as a soft-natured dog who loved cuddles(Image: SWNS)
The massive hound had suffered a catastrophic intestinal blockage caused by ingested fragments of the rope toy.
Doctors rushed the pet into emergency surgery amid fears his intestines had been perforated by the tough fabric.
Tragically, despite the best efforts of veterinary staff, King Cane passed away in the early hours of the morning.
Grieving Antonia said: “Losing Cane has devastated me, and I am still trying to come to terms with the loss of a much-loved member of my family.
King Can suffered a catastrophic intestinal blockage caused by ingested fragments of the rope toy(Image: SWNS)
“I never thought a toy for aggressive chewers would ever cause a problem. What started as an ordinary, frightening illness quickly turned into an emergency.
“I never imagined that something as ordinary as a dog toy could be involved in such a devastating situation. I was terrified for him.”
Antonia is now speaking out to issue a stark warning to other pet parents about the potential dangers lurking in everyday online purchases. She is demanding answers over the safety, instructions and warnings provided with the product.
Antonia Speariett with King Cane(Image: Antonia Speariett / SWNS)
She added: “I feel this story is about more than my own heartbreak. Dog toys are everyday products that owners purchase believing they are suitable for their pets.
“I want to seek answers about the specific product involved and whether its design, instructions and safety warnings were adequate. Cane was only five years old and deserved so much more time with us.
“If sharing his story could help protect even one other dog, I would feel that something positive could come from this tragedy. At the end of the day, because of these toys, I have lost my best friend.”
Antonia has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the eye-watering £4,000 emergency vet bill and to bring King Cane’s ashes home for a final send-off.
Amazon, Sharlovy and the British Veterinary Association have been approached for comment.
