Dog who has spent nearly three quarters of her life in rescue hoping for second chance

Bonnie wasn't moving and was feared dead when she was found 

A dog who was abandoned in freezing conditions in a garden for days is hoping 2026 will be the year she is finally adopted.

Staffy cross Bonnie came into RSPCA care in November 2024 at just nine months old after she had reportedly been left unattended for three days.

Police who found her in the back garden of the property in Derbyshire thought she was dead at first as she wasn’t moving.

Shivering and lying in snow, the frightened puppy was collected by an RSPCA officer and taken for veterinary treatment before being taken to a private boarding facility where she was looked after on behalf of the charity.  

In April last year she was transferred to the RSPCA Lancashire East Branch’s rehoming centre near Accrington. She is currently in foster care because she was struggling to cope with a kennel environment. 

Now two year-old, Bonnie, who is believed to be part Belgian Malinois, has only had a handful of rehoming enquiries and sadly, is now their longest-staying dog

The branch’s Fostering Co-ordinator, Sue Abraham, said: “Bonnie was finding kennel life very stressful, but thanks to one of our amazing foster carers she’s been able to enjoy the creature comforts of a home environment where we’ve been able to continue to support her rehabilitation and help her heal from her past experiences as she waits for a new home.

“Bonnie can be very excitable, especially when she meets new people, so she’s having ongoing training to help her stay calm which has really

benefited her. She’s already been doing some dog socialisation work with us, which has been going well, but she’ll need to continue this in her new home.

“She’s a really sweet and affectionate girl who thrives on attention and cuddles but she can be a little sensitive to loud noises, so she’s looking for a calm and understanding home. We think she’d suit an active, adult-only household where she can continue her training and enjoy plenty of enrichment and playtime.” 

“She’s doing so well in her foster home and whoever is lucky enough to adopt Bonnie will be sure to have a very loving and loyal companion.”

Initially, Bonnie would be best as the only pet in the household while her socialisation work continues. Any children will need to be older as

she can be a little boisterous at times. 

Visit the centre’s website for more information about Bonnie and how to adopt her or call  01254 231118.

The Lancashire East Branch is always looking for animal lovers able to provide loving foster homes for cats and dogs like Bonnie. Potential fosterers will need to demonstrate they have the empathy and patience needed to deal with animals who have experienced difficult pasts. 

The RSPCA rehomes thousands of animals every year, but many need help making the transition to a new home, which is where foster carers play such an important role.

All the branch’s foster carers have food and vet costs met and are supplied with equipment such as toys, beds and litter trays. Fosterers need to be over 18 and must live no more than an hour’s drive from the centre.

For more details call 01254 231118 or email fostering@rspca-lancseast.org.uk.