For Windy Toews, the deaths of 13 dogs in Mirror, Alta., brings painful flashes of watching her Labradoodle convulsing to death last March.

“Having this happen a year later just brings it all back,” said Toews, who  had found meat in her yard which police say was laced with strychnine.

Charlie was among four Mirror canines that died at the time from the poison.

Windy’s husband, Grady, knew the signs Saturday when another resident dog, Marley, staggered onto the hamlet’s main street, yelping for help. When efforts to induce vomiting failed, he rushed her to a Bashaw vet. The dog died in his vehicle.

“It’s very scary and has been going on for a long time,” said Theresa Lowther, who also came to Marley’s aid. She said that seeing the dog’s suffering was “horrifying,” adding, “I am just scared someone’s little kids will be next.”

Sgt. Geoff Buxcey said Bashaw RCMP is treating the 17 deaths as “related,” but would not speak about possible suspects.

“It’s one of those crimes that’s difficult to solve,” said Buxcey. “I am very concerned, especially to have people have this happen to them over and over again.”