Bonnie Collie, the Border Collie Beauty Needs Our Help

Update:  Just a few days after Bonnie was adopted, she started to favor her leg.  After a trip to the vet and an x-ray, her adopters were in tears when they notified us that she needs surgery for her knee.  Not only that, but Bonnie went into heat.  What?  My rescue has experienced botched neuters, but a botched spay?  We are in the process of getting quotes and hoping to have both surgeries done at the same time.  We won’t know exactly what’s in store for this young girl until the doctors actually do the exploratory surgery.  I’m hoping that once again, we can pull together and offer resources, financial assistance, prayers and encouragement for her new owners, Sarah and Chris.

Here’s a sneak peek at her x-ray.  You can Click Here to access her Chip-in Page and offer your donation for her surgery.

Chris wrote:

 

History:

I’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Collie. We believe Bonnie to be a 6 month old purebred Border Collie. She is stunningly beautiful, and incredibly intelligent. It is clear that she hasn’t had the greatest of lives up to this point, but she is learning quickly that her life is about to improve drastically. All she needs is that special place to call home!

How the Pack Creates TDL Dogs!

Two days ago, I drove to Tallahassee to meet the transport for Bonnie Collie.  I met a sweet, shy, and insecure little pup.  Bonnie rode on the floor of my car back to Gainesville.  She wanted to stay as low to the ground as possible.  Bonnie wouldn’t ride on the back seat.  Arriving at my house, I had to pick her up because she was too afraid to jump out of the car.  She turned into jelly in my arms.  It was obvious that she had no confidence or self-esteem.  I learned later in the day that she was bitten in the face by a Great Dane and that may have started her insecure behavior.

After a quick potty break in the back yard, I thought it best to put her in a crate to decompress.  Then, I uncrated my pack to continue with the day.  All three of my dogs went to the door where Bonnie was in the next room.  They started barking which is unusual.  I see now that they sensed her nervous energy and knew there was something in the air.

In the early evening, I decided to start the introductions.  I brought Bonnie outside to meet Charlie my TDL Aussie.

Much to everyone’s surprise, Charlie is the alpha in my pack.  He sits quietly, watching and waiting for a sign of behavior that is unacceptable.  Bonnie was so fearful that she growled at Charlie and charged after him.  Charlie said, “You will learn some manners in my yard and this is NOT alright with me.”  Within an hour, Charlie had Bonnie submitting and he walked her around on the leash.  This ain’t Charlie’s first rodeo!  He assisted me with my other foster dogs, starting with Memphis, then Shepherd’s Pie, Murphy, and Huckleberry.  After a while, I decided to introduce Boomer into the equation.  He is my second TDL dog who is the frat boy of the pack.  Happy go lucky and always likes everyone.  As Bonnie was growing in fear and about to go after Boomer, Charlie intervened and once again explained that this was not acceptable.  I figured Bonnie had enough and saved the introduction to KaiKai for the next day, who is the dominant dog in my pack and still a bossy puppy.

I thought Bonnie was going to be a long term foster while working through her issues.  Not so!  Yesterday, Bonnie started to understand that being a member of a pack means following the rules.  One of these includes the fact that I am NOT her human.  She can’t just run between my legs and assume that everyone else will let her exhibit unacceptable behavior.  I spent a long time walking around the yard with Bonnie in pursuit, Charlie and Boomer right behind her, and giving affection to Charlie and Boomer.  Bonnie had to wait until I decided it was time.  She’s a quick learner!

Today, each time Charlie approached Bonnie, she rolled over showing her belly in submission!  This is the perfect example of dogs rehabilitating other dogs!  I couldn’t have accomplished in a year what Charlie has done in two days!  On a side note, Bonnie was just fearful.  I assume after being bitten by another dog, it led to her fear issues.

Bonnie is very affectionate and loves giving kisses!  Her perfect home includes another dog so that her socialization continues.  Her looks remind me of Jacqueline.  She is easy to correct with just a little “tsk” sound.  In two days she hasn’t had a single potty accident. Whew! ~ Sam

Additional photos of Bonnie Collie can be viewed in her album on facebook.  If you think you may be interested in adopting Bonnie, please review our adoption process and e-mail thedogliberator@gmail.com.

12/26/11 Update:  I got to spend the holidays with Sam & Bonnie, and she is a gorgeous dog, who was great with my pack.  She lacks self-esteem and it’s obvious that she was not treated gently at one point.  This is an easy fix!  She SOOO reminds me of Bonnie Belle!  ~Gisele

1/12/2012 Foster Update:  Bonnie is ready to go!  She went to the dog park for a second day and had a big time!  I taught Bonnie that “down” means roll over and show her belly.  She knows “load up” to get into her crate, and sleeps through the night.  Bonnie is a high energy, fun, loving little girl.  She craves affection and is a wiggly baby – everything a Border collie puppy should be!  She plays well with my pack and, I can’t say enough good things about her!  ~Sam

1/16/2012 Foster Update: ADOPTED! Beautiful Bonnie Collie has been adopted by the wonderful Sarah Conlon and her fiance, Chris, of Palm Beach Gardens. Oh, yeah: The couple’s 3-year-old Border Collie, Oreo, thought our Bonnie was a pretty cool chick and approved the adoption as well. Palm Beach Gardens, welcome your newest Dog Liberator dog!