The UK was launched into a Hitchcockian nightmare over the summer when a woman's pet chihuahua was snatched from her garden by a scavenger bird.
Although it seemed like we'd moved on from the horrifying incident, another chihuahua was nearly snatched from its owner by a bird of prey this week.
Sheila Gillanders, 72, told the BBC that her 18-month-old pooch Emma (cute) had a very close shave that could've ended in disaster if it weren't for her husband Robert.
When a gigantic bird invaded the couple's garden, it picked little Emma up in its talons, before Rob came to the rescue and pulled the dog from its clasp.
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Sheila said: "We heard a bell and it was a bird of prey coming down - it must have escaped from its handler.
"It pinned her against the fence. It only got so far up, but my husband was able to get the bird off her.
"It then just looked at us. It was a really big bird, like a buzzard. It was definitely trained, as it was wearing a bell."
The bird flew away, leaving Sheila and Rob to tend to their pet and take her to the vet. Thankfully, little Emma is fine, although no doubt she's been left shell-shocked by the whole experience.
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Sheila added: "She is a bit bruised but otherwise she was not physically injured. Her stress is sky-high and we are struggling to get her back out in the garden.
"It was very lucky. If it had not been for my husband getting to her so quickly I dread to think what could have happened."
On the plus side, at least the pooch in this story survived. And while it's not everyday that a bird of prey breaks free from its trainer, it's not unusual for one to go for a small breed of dog - and it doesn't hurt to stay vigilant.
Scottish SPCA Chief Inspector Alison Simpson said: "We are glad that Emma wasn't hurt too badly in this instance.
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"Incidents such as this are extremely rare, but we would ask animal owners to be vigilant when large birds are in the area.
"Those with concerns can contact the charity's animal helpline on 03000 999 999."
Keith Marley from the New Arc rescue centre added: "There are a number of large birds of prey kept by falconers which could be quite capable of attacking a small dog.
"The commonest large bird of prey kept by falconers and enthusiasts is the Eagle Owl, which is not native to this country but is quite capable attacking and even possibly carrying off a chihuahua.
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"I am glad to hear the wee dog is OK."
Featured Image Credit: Sheila GillandersTopics: Pet, Dog, Couple, Garden, woman