A toddler tragically drowned in a paddling pool after his family’s pet dog opened the back door.
Délano Lievens was spotted in the water by his older brother shortly after climbing into the pool.
Neighbours rushed over to help his parents revive the one-year-old.
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Délano was taken to hospital in critical condition.
He was pronounced dead on Monday (1 Jul) morning two days later, after being declared brain-dead.
His devastated parents believe their pet dog may have been to blame.
Mum Toscina Verbruggen, of Ostend, Belgium, said: “The door to the garden was slightly open, probably because of the dog.
“That’s how Délano must have slipped outside unnoticed.”
Délano would have turned two at the end of this month, as reported on Need To Know.
His mum wrote on social media: “Your heart was still beating and the rest of your body was healthy.
“But your brain decided to stop working and take you away from us.
“I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you, sweetheart.”
The West Flanders public prosecutor’s office is investigating the case.
It says there is no evidence of foul play and that everything points to a tragic accident.
Toscina said about her son: “He was a real laugh, a happy baby who enjoyed everything.
“He really enjoyed life, even though he was so small.
“We are going to miss him tremendously. It’s terrible.”
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