Bonnie’s Legacy

She arrived at Clermont County Animal Shelter in September 2022. During her time there, her paws became severely inflamed and infected—pain made worse by her constant pacing, scaling kennel walls, and smearing feces. You could see her suffering in the way she shifted from paw to paw, too uncomfortable to settle. Some days, the pain was so intense she wouldn’t leave her cot and even bathroom breaks daunting.

Bonnie didn’t trust many people. It took immense patience for those she loved to earn her trust. Because of her stranger danger and the immense pain she was in, she rarely left her kennel. Over time, it became devastatingly clear: this wasn’t a life. Confined, hurting, fearful, and reactive to other dogs—there was nowhere safe for her to go.

Her #1 champion, Paula, gave her a final gift: freedom and love in her last two weeks. Bonnie spent those days in a real home. She ran in a yard, lounged on furniture, and finally experienced quiet, restful sleep. She indulged in steak, sausage, eggs, bagels, and Häagen-Dazs. She was visited by those who cared for her, and she was surrounded by love, comfort, and prayers for a miracle.

In March 2024, Bonnie crossed the rainbow bridge.

We couldn’t save Bonnie. No matter how hard we tried. Her life and death are a haunting reminder of what happens when we wait too long—when the trauma runs too deep.

It is up to us to honor her legacy, reminding us to act sooner, educate harder, and advocate louder—for every dog still waiting in shelters. And to provide resources, education and tools to keep dogs out of the shelters and in loving homes.