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Bonzo's Brave Fight
for Life ... continued Page
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After telling the quarantine
vet about Bonzo's injuries and showing him photographs, he
said an operation was possible; Bonzo's ankle bones would
be fused together and held in place by special implants and
although he would remain partially crippled, he would at
least be able to stand up straight and walk without discomfort.
We never expected miracles, but
if Bonzo's mobility and thus his quality of life
could be improved with the operation, then that's
all we could ask for, besides, it was his only hope. But, there
was a catch ... |
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the cost
of surgery ... a hefty £1,500 per leg and there was also the cost of his
flight and quarantine; in total around £5,000 was needed.
A lot of money, true, but if it could be raised, and I never
had any doubts that it couldn't if Bonzo's plight could be
brought to the attention of many people through posters,
articles
and fund-raising activities, then the decision to help this
brave dog was more than justified. 'Where there's a will,
there's a way'!
There are times when it's
right to allow the heart to rule the head - after
all, we are only human - and wrong to put a price
on an animal's life ... this, I believe, was one
of those times. Some may wonder if it would not have
been 'kinder' to put Bonzo to sleep, but they have
not met him as I did, nor seen his beaming smile.
He didn't want pity, just a helping hand. |
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Bonzo arrived in the UK on 15th August and
he settled in quarantine remarkably well. I have been visiting
him three times a week and he has other visitors too. Everybody
who has met him is bowled over by his happy and loving nature;
he sure has a way of capturing people's hearts! And how appropriate
that his release date should be 14th February - yes, St. Valentine's
Day!
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Vesna's report, following Bonzo's
first operation on his left leg, which took place on
Friday 13th October:
Monday, 16th October ... Bonzo's
surgery:
"Bonzo was taken back to quarantine,
today, 3 days after his surgery, where he is now being
monitored by their vet. Unfortunately the tendons were
beyond repair, which meant the 'second option' had to be
employed ... fusing the 'ankle' bones together (bone graft
from his right shoulder was taken for this purpose) and
holding them in place with a special plate.
There is no denying that Bonzo was uncomfortable and in some
pain immediately after surgery but the surgeon was pleased with
the way the operation went (it took more than 4 hours)" 
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