Bonnie

I'm Bonnie, from the famous 'Bonnie & Clyde' duo. Clyde and I were found abandoned together just outside of Toowoomba. We were emaciated and had deep wounds that needed urgent medical attention. Our condition wasn't a result of being on the run for a long time or simple oversight- it was blatant abuse.

I had things called 'pressure sores' and 'happy tail'- aka deep, open wounds caused by being forced to live in cramped conditions in a hard place eg 'dog box' or cage, and a tail that had been split and chipped away almost to the bone at the end, from smacking into this cage when I wag my tail. I had a body score of 1 (emaciated), which is defined by the RSPCA as: 'Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones evident from a distance. No discernible body fat. Obvious loss of muscle mass.' This was continued, long-term neglect that left me feeling extremely sick, sore, and fearful.

My carers got straight to work. I was too sick to operate on right away, and so I spent a fortnight on pain relief and antibiotics. My wounds were dressed and my tail wrapped to stop my raw flesh being hurt any further. I was fed 5 meals a day so I could gain some weight. I soon came to trust my carers and lost some of my fear. After a fortnight my meals were reduced to four, and then three, a day. My tail was not healing the way it should have been, and it was decided that with the amount of pain it caused me and the slim chance of it healing even with the high standard of care my foster provided, it was most ethical to have it docked. So I went into surgery. By this time, I had gained several kg, stopped crying through the night, and had learned to trust. I could finally sit down now without it hurting me due to the wounds on my bottom. I was operated on to have my tail fixed, sores examined and desex completed. Since then, there has been NO holding me back.

My carers have seen a huge difference in me since that week. I am so much happier without the end of my tail. My tail was only docked half way- just long enough to stop it hitting everything when I wag it (which is constant, as I'm a happy and loving girl). I immediately began to relax, and although I still walk with it tucked up underneath me because I am so used to the pain I need to expect when it hits things- I am definitely starting to get used to it. My carers think maybe the abuse was continued for too long and that I will always do this sad little walk, where I twist to the side and have my tail tucked. It is so habitual now that it could take months to years for me to break it. I am so used to having to navigate a tiny space that hurts me, that to have wide open space is an exciting and happy thing, but also one that takes time to adjust to.

Besides my half-cute, half-sad little twisty walk- you would never know I suffered at the hands of evil people. I am the most sweet, gentle and enthusiastic dog you've ever seen. I adore toys, I get along amazingly with all dogs and humans, and I am well behaved. I still scoff my food, but that's no big deal! A simple maze ball, or Kong etc is all that's needed to keep me pacing myself. I haven't shown any signs of destructive or undesirable behaviour. My carer said the only thing is that if you leave a hot chicken on the bench, well of course that's very tempting for me- so my new family will have to learn to 'dog-proof' their kitchen. I love car trips and playing with balls, and am happy to sleep inside, or out.

My ideal forever home has friendly dog/s to play with and a loving and patient owner (no cats please). While I won't test your patience often, I am not a dog that can handle 'tough love' etc. I am fearful if I think you're going to yell or hit me, and sometimes I think the broom etc is a weapon. I prefer kids 8+ because sometimes I bump them by accident. I don't mind a busy lifestyle, as long as everyone is kind to me and gives me the attention and love I deserve. I am a loyal and kind dog, and I can't wait to meet you.