Ms Kenwery said Amigo had already had a hard life and had been beaten and starved before she rescued him when he was 3½ months old. "He was very gentle and was becoming my companion dog," she said. "He was the most innocent and gentle giant." "Everyone knew him, he was well loved. The whole suburb knew him ... he was a 50kg dog but was as gentle as anything." Ms Kenwery said she was out between 3pm and 5pm. The back gate and garden shed had been opened but nothing was taken.

Amigo was found just near the back door – dead, beaten and bloodied. "I've not seen anything like it, it was quite confronting for me. I kneeled down and put my hand on him and he was dead," she said. "I just fell apart, I called for my neighbour and she called the police." Ms Kenwery said Amigo would usually greet guests by coming up for a pat, and did not have an aggressive nature. Leading Senior Constable Natalie Dean said Amigo was likely killed defending the family home.

‘‘It is believed offenders have gained entry to the rear yard by the side gate and may have been confronted by the dog,’’ she said. ‘‘The family’s dog, a two-year old bull Arab cross great Dane was assaulted, causing fatal injuries. ‘‘The exact cause of the dog’s death is unknown and the investigation is ongoing.’’ Ms Kenwery was training Amigo to be her companion dog, to help her with some medical issues. "He was my whole world. He was more than just a dog."

Police are undertaking tests on the animal to determine whether a weapon was used in the attack. They are also looking for CCTV footage of the area. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Star Weekly - With Simone Fox Koob