Devastated dog owners say their beloved pet fell victim to a mysterious virus which is affecting canines across the country.
Four-and-a-half-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Duke was a "lovely" pup who was "everybody's best friend" and a popular visitor to Consett's Duke of Wellington pub, which his owner Alan Marshall runs.
On January 9, owner Julie Cox took Duke for an evening walk around Hownsgill Industrial estate. Everything seemed fine, but shortly afterwards the previously healthy pet became seriously ill.
