Dog left for dead in freezing garden hopes 2026 will finally bring forever home
A dog who was once feared dead after being abandoned in freezing conditions is hoping 2026 will be the year she finally finds a loving family.
Bonnie, a Staffy cross believed to have some Belgian Malinois in her, was just nine months old when she was discovered alone in the back garden of a property in Derbyshire in November 2024.
Police officers who found her initially thought she had died, as she was lying motionless in the snow after reportedly being left unattended for three days.
Shivering and severely distressed, Bonnie was collected by an RSPCA officer and rushed for urgent veterinary treatment.
Following her rescue, Bonnie was cared for in a private boarding facility before being transferred in April last year to the RSPCA Lancashire East Branch rehoming centre near Accrington.
Now just over two years old, Bonnie has sadly become the branch’s longest-staying dog after receiving only a small number of adoption enquiries.
She is currently living in foster care after struggling to cope with kennel life.
Sue Abraham, fostering co-ordinator at the Lancashire East Branch, said Bonnie has made significant progress since moving into a home environment.
“Bonnie was finding kennel life very stressful, but thanks to one of our amazing foster carers she’s been able to enjoy the comforts of a home while we continue to support her rehabilitation,” she said.
“She can be very excitable, particularly when meeting new people, so she’s having ongoing training to help her stay calm, which has already made a big difference.”
Bonnie has also begun dog socialisation training, which has been progressing well, though this will need to continue in her future home.
“She’s a really sweet and affectionate girl who thrives on attention and cuddles,” added Ms Abraham.
“However, she can be sensitive to loud noises, so she’s looking for a calm and understanding home.”
The charity believes Bonnie would be best suited to an active, adult-only household where she can continue her training and enjoy plenty of enrichment and playtime.
Initially, she would need to be the only pet in the home, and any children would need to be older due to her occasionally boisterous nature.
“She’s doing so well in foster care,” Ms Abraham said. “Whoever is lucky enough to adopt Bonnie will gain a very loving and loyal companion.”
The Lancashire East Branch is also appealing for more foster carers to support animals like Bonnie as they recover from difficult pasts.
Foster carers receive full support, with food, equipment and veterinary costs covered by the charity.
Anyone interested in adopting Bonnie or becoming a foster carer can visit the centre’s website, call 01254 231118, or email [email protected].