I met Bonzo in June, whilst in Greece on my annual visit to the shelters we support, when I also visited The Haven, a small shelter near Malia, Crete. They endeavour to help some of the many stray dogs and cats, whose hopeless existence on the streets often ends in tragedy, usually by poisoning. Alas, Bonzo's fate was perhaps even worse, due to the severity of the injuries inflicted on him and the pain he subsequently suffered.
When Gayner, who runs 'The Haven', first heard about Bonzo's accident via a 'phone call in mid February, she assumed that he had been hit by a car, but when his injuries were later examined the sickening truth emerged. It appeared that someone had deliberately severed the tendons in his hind legs, leaving

very kindly donated a specially made-to-measure cart with wheels, to support Bonzo's hind legs and hips while he walked.
Unfortunately the ground is very uneven and stony and Bonzo couldn't get around easily. In addition, as his legs were not paralysed, he kept wriggling out of the contraption.

During the three days I was in Malia, I spent a fair bit of time with Bonzo and my heart went out to this beautiful young dog (he is about two). Always eager to greet visitors with a thumping tail and a friendly smile, always playful and affectionate, I couldn't help wondering if something could be done to help him. Before I left Malia, I promised Gayner that I would endeavour to find out if an operation was possible in the UK, which would improve Bonzo's mobility and thus his quality of life.