A Tribute to Bonnie and the merits of adopting an older dog

Three years ago, the lovely Bonnie found her forever home with Caroline and Jason. 
Bonnie was a crossbreed of a special blend. It was clear to see she had some husky and whippet in her, with a variety of other breeds too. This made her ‘perfectly unique’ as she had the best bits of each breed! We got to know and love Bonnie during her time at Woodside Animal Centre and she really was a real character! Unfortunately, we have recently been informed that Bonnie sadly passed away at 16 years old and so we’ve put together a little tribute in her honour.

Bonnie was adopted by Caroline and Jason when she was 12/13 years old and was exactly what the pair had been looking for, fitting straight into her new family really well.

Bonnie will be greatly missed by her owners and her furry family, including her brother Tango who was also adopted from Woodside. The pair got on incredibly, Tango adored Bonnie immediately, and although Bonnie was unsure about sharing her home with a boy at first, she soon came around!

Caroline says ‘Sadly, many animals see the worst side of humanity and are mistreated and uncared for. By adopting I am supporting the good work of Woodside Animal Centre and hopefully changing the world for the animals I come into contact with. There are so many dogs and other animals that are in need of good, kind homes. Bonnie was a prime example of how adoption can change a dog’s life.’

Caroline also goes on to say: ‘Our Bonnie spent her ‘golden years’ being loved and cared for and I truly believe she learnt that not all humans are bad.’

Bonnie and Tango were both Woodside residents before Caroline and her partner adopted the pair and Caroline was so impressed with the help and care that Woodside gave her and the dogs, that she would recommend Woodside to others with no hesitation.

She says ‘The process was very smooth and organised and we adopted Bonnie within two weeks of visiting her. Woodside were very supportive and remained interested in how Bonnie (and Tango) were doing.’

We are very honest about our animals at Woodside to ensure that potential owners can provide the appropriate care for our residents. As Bonnie was an old dog when she was adopted, we made sure Caroline and Jason knew what they could and could not expect from her, and it turned out Bonnie was perfect for them.

Many people are put off by older dogs because of their age, but age is just a number!

If you put the right love and attention into an older dog, they will return the favour as Caroline and Jason found out with both Bonnie and Tango.

Caroline told us, ‘Although she was an old girl, she gave so much more than we could have ever hoped for.’

All dogs, young and old, deserve to find their forever home and have another chance in life.

We are sad to hear that Bonnie has passed away, but are glad that she spent her ‘golden years’ in a happy, loving and caring home. Bonnie did not have the best start in life but we are incredibly thankful to Caroline and Jason for giving her another chance and restoring her happiness.