A family in Linden is grieving the loss of their dog Kato, a 5-year-old Papillon who died when he was attacked by two pitbulls that got loose from a neighbor’s yard.

Kato was on a walk with his owner, Angelo Cuozzo, on Sunday, when both were attacked by the pitbulls who jumped a chain link fence to get free from their yard on East Munsell Avenue in Linden.

Cuozzo, who also suffered bite wounds to his face and hands, eventually got free with the help of a good Samaritan who grabbed a shovel and struck one of the dogs.

Cuozzo and his wife took Kato to Garden State Veterinary Hospital in Woodbridge, but the dog didn’t survive surgery to treat puncture wounds and a broken leg.

On Wednesday, the couple showed News 12 the sweater Kato was wearing at the time of the attack, along with his photos and a box of his ashes.

The two dogs that attacked have been taken into custody by Linden Animal Control.

Police will determine if the pitbulls will be euthanized.

Cuozzo says the owners of the pitbulls have called to apologize and help pay for damages.