Bonnie & Clyde: male dog to adopt

Bonnie and Clyde are two older spaniels who’ve been through a lot together. They were found struggling in a swimming pool after wandering into someone’s garden, likely in search of shade and water. Security footage showed they had been trapped for an hour, unable to climb out. If it hadn’t been for their typically water-savvy breed, they might not have made it.

The pair were taken to the vet where we were told they were roughly around eight years old, but they were in such a bad way that it was hard to determine. It was very evident from the start that they were extremely bonded and looked to each other for reassurance. They want to be together all the time and judging by the condition of their poor bodies when they came into the shelter, they have endured a miserable life together. The saving grace has been that throughout it all, they've always had each other.

With this in mind, we're looking for a home for both of them, together. After all they've been through we can't bear to separate them. We understand the financial commitment of adopting two dogs, but thanks to our amazing supporters we have raised the funds to cover Bonnie's adoption, so her transport and vet fees have all been sponsored. Only one adoption fee will apply in this special case. Bonnie is a sweet, gentle girl, and although she's a little more subdued than Clyde, she wears the trousers when it comes to demanding ear nibbles and choosing where she sits first. She bops him on the head when she wants his attention! Clyde dutifully agrees to whatever she wants - he just loves her. He’s a soft, silly boy who doesn’t ask for much and has a very charming, goofy side to his personality. 

Upon arrival, Bonnie’s condition was so poor.. Her body was exhausted from what looked like years of breeding. Her tummy was saggy, her joints were sore, her ears and eyes were infected and every time she moved she whined. Her skin was raw in some places, callous with mange in others. Her fur was falling out, her eyes were sad and sunken, and she was struggling to walk. She had been so neglected, it was really heartbreaking to see. On top of that, her blood tests came back positive for tick borne illnesses (now treated) and Leishmania, which she’ll require medication for long term. We can provide plenty more information about this to support her new family. Clyde was in slightly better condition and surprisingly had very healthy blood results, although we think the pair of them have been confined to a kennel for a long time as their muscle mass was so low and moving about was hard for them to start with. However, fast forward a couple of months and Bonnie and Clyde are so, so much happier. 

Although their tails never stopped wagging, now they just wag even harder! They're much more mobile, playful, silly and bouncy, and now they've had some proper veterinary support their infections have cleared, their skin is healing and they're feeling so much better. They now have four new kennel mates who they get on with very well. They’re also now much more affectionate and love having cuddles, kisses and Clyde especially would sell his soul for a treat!

Bonnie and Clyde would suit any home where they can just be a part of the family. Ideally, they'd prefer a calmer household without very young children, as they can find unpredictable movements a bit unnerving, but they could live with older children, and are friendly with other dogs. They haven't been cat tested so we would prefer homes without resident felines. They've had enough to contend with in their lives so we just want to set them up for success this time. 

Adopting older dogs can bring so much joy into your home, and for these two, who need it more than most, we would love for them to finally experience what it is to be loved. They are ready to travel in August.