Hi. My name is Bonnie. I am a brindle-colored Boxer mix, and I’m only four months old. I am very lucky: I’ve just been saved from a dog fighting ring. It’s true, and I have the injuries to prove it. As you can see from my picture, my right front paw is fractured. I also have some deformity in my teeth which the doctors say was most likely caused by trauma.

Unfortunately, dog fighting is a sad but common situation. It’s hard to imagine how a four month old puppy – or any animal, for that matter – winds up being a violent tool for petty amusement. It is animal cruelty at its worst, as it will eventually lead to certain death. Sometimes we die in battle, sometimes we die from exhaustion, and sometimes if we lose, our owners put us down because they don’t have any use for us.

But I got lucky. I was rescued from all of that. I live at North Shore Animal League America now, but I’m hoping to have a loving home of my very own soon. Even though I haven’t had such a good puppyhood so far, I was rescued early and now have a chance at a normal life. I am really lucky to be alive. I am lucky to only have these few injuries. I’m still young; I still have my innocence and while my foot may be broken, my spirit remains intact.

The League’s doctors have been taking good care of me and have been evaluating me physically and mentally. I am going to need to be seen by an orthopedic surgeon to determine whether my fractures will need internal fixation such as pinning or splints. I also need to be seen by behavioral specialists to make sure that I am free of any psychological issues that I may have incurred.

But really, I’m just like any other puppy. I like to play and love to cuddle. I love when visitors hold me and rock me back and forth, too. The doctors say that I don’t exhibit any aggression or possessiveness, and they don’t detect any behavioral issues thus far.

Right now the League is nursing me back to health and giving me the nutrients, medication and care I need to heal. I have a good prognosis, and feel confident that the League will make sure I live out the rest of my years in peace and happiness. They are teaching me that I am worthy of love. They are showing me that I no longer need to be frightened, and they promised me that I will never see another dog fighting ring as long as I live.

Fortunately, I’m in the loving care of the Help Me Heal program, which will allow me the opportunity to recover in safety and comfort. Thanks to all of you who make this program possible, my wounds will heal, and I will eventually be placed with a family who respects and loves me for the gentle and tender doggie I am.

Please support the Help Me Heal program, and help the League keep helping little puppies like me.

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