M271 crash: Totton owner's heartbreak after dog killed in crash

Nicola Snook and her husband Paul were travelling on the M271 on Sunday when a vehicle ploughed into the back of their car.

The pair were travelling home to Totton with their two dogs Barney and Amber in the boot of their Audi A4 when they were hit.

Nicola, 31, heard Paul “gasping for breath” while both dogs were squealing with pain.

The aftermath of the crash (Image: Nicola Snook)

Amber, 10, escaped largely unscathed by the crash but 13-year-old Jack Russell Barney had to be put down because of his injuries.

He suffered three breaks in one leg, a dislocation in another leg, and a suspected fracture at the base of his spine.

Nicola said: “We were driving home after a dog walk along the River Itchen when it happened.

“As we were on the M271, there was suddenly an almighty crash.

“My husband was struggling to breathe, and Amber managed to reach me, but Barney was nowhere to be seen.”

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Nicola phoned for an ambulance as several drivers pulled over to help.

“Someone told me they saw a dog in the road, so I think Barney was thrown forward by the force and fell through the rear window”, she said.

Barney was swiftly found thanks to the help of passers-by but kept collapsing on the floor due to his severe injuries.

Barney, 13, sadly died on Sunday after a crash on the M271 (Image: Nicola Snook)

A nurse who was travelling on the M271 at the time stopped to help passenger Nicola, who escaped uninjured, and driver Paul, who suffered minor injuries.

The good Samaritan gave them a towel to wrap Barney in, and later drove him and Amber to Nicola’s friend, who took them to the vet.

Other drivers pulled over to help, giving the pair drinks and snacks as police dealt with the incident.

“So many people stopped to help us, and the nurse was amazing by taking Amber and Barney to safety”, Nicola said.

After being discharged from hospital, Paul and Nicola received a call from the veterinary surgeon to say Barney had non-survivable injuries.

The pair arrived home and “broke down in tears” before travelling to the vets to say goodbye.

Amber and Barney (Image: Nicola Snook)

Barney, who had been with Nicola and Paul since he was one, loved the beach.

Although less keen on cuddles longer than five seconds, he gladly snuggled with Nicola in his last moments. 

Nicola said: “I held Barney in my arms when they put him to sleep, and he peacefully drifted off.

“He was in so much pain it was horrific. We always thought it would be our choice to let him go as he grew older, instead this was tragic and cruel.

“We want to say thank you so much to the people who helped us on Sunday.

“I cannot thank everyone enough. This really restores your faith in humanity.”

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary confirmed they were called to the crash at 1pm on Sunday.

Three cars were involved and minor injuries were reported.