We had a brand new puppy that ate the tongues out a pair of my bicycle shoes years ago.
It turns out that the tongues were not essential.
I still wear them and they work just fine, maybe a bit less weight.
I can't tell you how many Double L hunting boots, met similar fate, w/ the Labs we have had, over the years.
...And they didn't smell like KFC chicken....only stinky feet. ;)