One of the first enclosures that greets you when you enter Parel's animal hospital is missing its lively occupant. All that remains is a black board which says: Sheru, injured in 26/11 terrorist attack.

Sheru, a stray dog who survived bullet injuries in the back, neck and leg in one of the worst terror attacks in Mumbai, passed away after a cardiac arrest on Saturday morning. His funeral was attended by several of the animal hospital's doctors, ward staff and volunteers.

"He was a brave dog. Even after being hit by three bullets, he was a little stressed, but he fought on," said Thrity Gazdar, a member of the working committee of Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals, Parel.

After the attack, he was rushed to the hospital by photographer Shripad Naik. "I saw him writhing in pain. I carried him to an ambulance. He was such a brave and loving dog. I cannot believe he is gone," said Shripad.

Dr Yuvraj Kaginkar, who treated Sheru that fateful night, said, "Sheru was brought to me at 2 am. Both he and the photographer carrying him were drenched in blood. The bullets had gone so deep. He was a miracle dog."

One bullet was still lodged in his respiratory tract, which was not removed as it could have caused more damage. "He was in the hospital for around 8 years. While he was otherwise healthy, doctors had advised limited movement," said Dr Mayur Dangar of the Bombay Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), adding that Sheru had a sponsor looking out for him.

"He was happy. I would never pass his kennel without giving him a biscuit. He made sure he grabbed your attention. When an animal dies you feel they took a part of you with them, and that is how I'm feeling today," said Thrity, who has been a part of the hospital for 26 years.