Written by The Animal Guardians Founder – Katelyn O’Neill
Professional photography by Framed Media
A very distressed member of the public contacted us about a dog on the side of the road that was in horrendous condition – in his words, “starving”. We requested a pin location and set out immediately once we’d received it.
When we arrived at the site where the dog was last seen, the search began. On foot, we walked up and down the street, peering through gates as we searched the area, in case he’d slipped into one of the surrounding properties.
After some time, returning to where we’d parked our vehicle, the starving dog (having heard the presence of people moving into the distance and then returning) decided to lift his head and peer through the grass at us. And there he was, a very gaunt, black face, with huge brown eyes that appeared disproportionate to his face.
Had he not lifted his head at that very moment, we may have missed him, a bag of bones lying against a wall behind overgrown grass.
A slip leash was placed over his head to prevent him from attempting to escape, although in his condition it was unlikely that he had the energy to do so. Wide brown eyes, unblinking, unsure of these people who were gently trying to move him into a better position to lift him, careful not to cause him discomfort. He let out a yelp as we lifted him up – one of uncertainty as to what was going to happen next. Body rigid, he was placed into the crate; he turned himself around slowly, and with a sigh of relief he lay down.
By the time we arrived at our shelter, he’d made himself quite comfortable. In response to “Hello boney boy,” a little tail wag.
He was placed in a large crate, where he’d be spending the majority of his time recovering. A soft blanket to cushion his fragile frame, water and food. Unsure of which he wanted most – water to quench his unimaginable thirst or food to fill his hollow tummy – he was having a few sips of water, having a few bites of pellets, continuing with both until both bowls were empty…
And so Bones’ journey with TAG had begun.
His routine was five meals a day and a short walk after each to relieve himself. He was kept in the crate for a few weeks to limit his movement to allow his weak, exhausted body to recover and gain some weight. Once he was feeling a little better and had more energy, he was placed into a play area twice a day to spend some time exploring and just being a dog.
He grew quite used to this routine, being the intelligent boy he is. Day by day he had more energy; week by week a layer of meat over his bones. The sparkle of life returned to his eyes within a week of having regular meals and loads of love provided for him.
Today, Bonesy is a far cry from the emaciated dog we found, waiting for death to take him or a kind hand to save him.
He’s a happy, healthy, vibrant and intelligent little character who captures the heart of anyone that spends a little time with him.
Editor's note: This Happy Tale was a call for his adoption and I am so happy to share that Bonesy has gratefully found his perfect family!
