Tiraya Green, 34, said a teenage neighbor beat her puppy to death with a shovel on Sunday.
9-month old "Thunda," a Maltese/Yorkie mix, had broken free from his leash and ran toward the boy.
Green said the teen continued to beat the dog even after the shovel broke.
"My hands were shaking. I said 'I can't believe you just did that to my dog. You just killed my dog," Green said.
Green said the Trenton animal control officer showed extreme sympathy and stayed with the dog for about 10 to 15 minutes until it passed away.
Action News caught up with that officer, Silfredo Martinez, who arrived on the scene as Thunda was taking his last breaths.
"I was just amazed. You don't normally see things like this," Martinez said.
Police continue to investigate the incident, and have yet to file charges against the teenager. Martinez said he couldn't comment on a possible motive in the beating because the investigation was still underway.
Green and her family plan on holding a memorial service for Thunda on Saturday morning at her house.
When asked about her thoughts on the boy, Green had a surprising reaction.
"I'm angry, I'm hurt, but at the same time I forgive that boy because I think he needs help," Green said.
