The chocolate brown Labrador was attacked by the beast at a railway station as her blind owner was left frightened and shaking.

The appalling attack was caught on CCTV.

Neela was lucky to survive after her neck was ripped open by the dog — believed to be a pit bull cross.You need Flash Player 8 or higher to view video content with the ROO Flash Player. Click here to download and install it.

Cops are hunting the dog walker who abandoned Neela and her owner after the vicious attack last month.

Neela's 57-year-old owner — who wants to remain anonymous — paid tribute to her "wonderful" guide dog.

She said: "My guide dog gives me independence and the confidence to go about my life in the way that I want, when I want."

Frightening

"For her to be attacked in such a vicious way, when she was doing her job assisting me, was a horrendous experience and one I hope no other guide dog owner ever has to go through."

"I am so relieved she has recovered well from the ordeal - and the fact she is able to continue working as my guide dog is testament to her amazing strength, temperament and training."

"She is a wonderful dog and I owe a great deal to her."

She added: "Initially the attack was very frightening especially as I'm visually impaired and couldn't see what was going on around me at the time."

"It was only through the good luck of a helpful passer-by that the police were called to help me."

"I feel the person whose dog it was has no idea the situation he left me in and the profound affect on the dog, leaving it anxious and in great pain after the attack."

Neela needed emergency veterinary care for deep puncture wounds to her neck.

Cops released the CCTV in a bid to find the pit bull's owner.

The man is described as white, aged mid to late twenties, around 5 foot 11 inches tall, and of slim build.

He had a cropped beard, brownish to red hair, which was cut short, and was wearing a grey-coloured top and black tracksuit bottoms.

The dog is described as a muscular terrier, possibly a cross-breed, brown with white paws, white around its nose and at the tip of its tail.

PC Gerry Griffin said: "We have carried out a number of local enquiries and ask that anyone who recognises the man gets in contact with us."

"The owner would do well to hand himself in as his animal poses a clear danger to other dogs and to the public."

Anyone with information about the attack at Cricklewood Station in London on the 4th of October, is asked to call police on 0800-405040.

Guide Dogs is celebrating Christmas 2009 in style with the launch of their fabulous dog-e-gifts website. For just £13 you can buy Christmas dinner for ten hard-working guide dog puppies. Visit http://www.guidedog-e-gifts.org.uk to see the full range.