An RAF police dog handler lost her "best friend" after her pet died in a "traumatic" incident in which a rubber ball got stuck in her throat.

Luna, a three-year-old German Shepherd, partially swallowed the red Kong Signature ball while on a walk with her owner from King's Lynn.

When Luna collapsed, her owner was able to force the ball out of her throat and began CPR - but it was too late and Luna died in the park.

Kayleigh Hellwing is urging people with larger dogs to buy bigger toys and practice a CPR course to avoid similar incidents. 

Eastern Daily Press: An RAF police dog handler has claimed her pet died when a rubber Kong ball got stuck in its throatAn RAF police dog handler has claimed her pet died when a rubber Kong ball got stuck in its throat (Image: Kayleigh Hellwing)

Miss Hellwing was heading home from a morning walk with her son, Arthur, who is six months old, when she lost her "best friend" on May 17.

“I was panicking and my instinct was to stick my hand in her mouth to try and get the ball out," she said.

“There was lots of excessive saliva which I know from my work is quite alarming.

Eastern Daily Press: Luna's owner is urging people with larger dogs to buy bigger toys and practice a CPR courseLuna's owner is urging people with larger dogs to buy bigger toys and practice a CPR course (Image: Kayleigh Hellwing)

“I could feel that the whole ball was in the back of her throat and she was struggling and getting weaker.

"There was no gap between the back of her throat and her airway.

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“She has played with other balls before and has never had any problems, but the particular ball she had on that day had no squish and no flexibility.

Eastern Daily Press: Miss Hellwing was on a morning dog walk with her six-month-old son when the incident happenedMiss Hellwing was on a morning dog walk with her six-month-old son when the incident happened (Image: Kayleigh Hellwing)

“Losing a dog itself is like losing your child, people who have dogs understand that, it was traumatic.

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“She was more than just a pet, she was my world, my best friend, my soul mate and the thing that kept me going."

Miss Hellwing has cautioned dog owners to be more aware of the toys and products they are buying and consider taking a CPR course to be prepared.

The Kong Company, which was founded in the 1970s and has UK offices in Salisbury, did not respond to a request for comment.