Bonnie – a tribute to a Pathfinder Pioneer.

In June 2010, I was blessed by Pathfinder Dogs by becoming human companion to Bonnie. After successfully completing three weeks of extensive training together in Belfast and Carrickfergus, Bonnie qualified as one of the first Pathfinder Dogs, and became my guide. I had already been advised that Bonnie was a ‘challenging’ dog, who could be quite aloof and difficult in some ways. In those early days, I was to discover that she lived up to those remarks quite well! At times, she could indeed be a little distant from us humans – but she not only tolerated but seemed to fully accept the cats we had in our home, who took to not only sharing her cosy bed with her, but cuddling up close to Bonnie. Bonnie needed lots of love and understanding to bring out the very best in her, that was evident, but it was also evident that behind that aloof exterior was a big softie, just waiting to burst out. 

Bonnie was thrown into the deep end from the outset – soon after qualifying, we flew to London. There is nothing more challenging for a Pathfinder Dog (or any dog trained as a guide to a sight impaired human) than working in a busy location such as London, but Bonnie ate it all up! From the relatively quiet and sedate streets of Carrickfergus (with its unofficial ‘shared surfaces’), the hustle and bustle of Belfast city centre, to the madness of London’s streets, Bonnie took it all in her stride. Truly adaptable to anything we could throw at her, she thrived on travel and visiting new places, including the various towns around Northern Ireland where she greeted many members of the public on fund raising and awareness days. 

Bonnie could at times be challenging, and certainly tested the patience of us all at times. But patience is what was needed to win this little lady over, and that is what we had for her. We were repaid with barrels of love and attention from Bonnie, who we often called ‘Boo’. We all enjoyed our special free time on the beach, now referred to by us as ‘Bonnie’s Beach’, located on the outskirts of Carrickfergus, and forming one small part of the Belfast Lough shoreline. Here Boo would dig large holes in the sand to roll in, and swim in the sea (one of her favourite pastimes, regardless of water temperature), rescuing her favourite toy – her football. 

Unknown to any of us though, Boo had a hidden and serious illness. On a routine visit to our vet, Farmhill in Carrickfergus, it was noticed two of her toe nails were unusually worn down, an indicator of her dragging that foot. Tests were carried out, x-rays obtained, and consultations with numerous experts undertaken. Eventually, the evidence pointed to a serious and sadly incurable neurological condition, whereby compression of the nerves from the spine to Bonnie’s back legs was causing discomfort for her. The condition was degenerative and called for changes to our routine. I have always, and will always, maintained that our dogs give a lot to us during their years of service as guides, and in return we owe a huge debt of care and consideration to them. Taking everything into account, we reduced Bonnie’s work load as far as possible, and protecting her already worn down toenails, as well as her foot. Aware that the illness was degenerative, our first concern was to monitor Boo closely and be led by her own safe mobility. Bonnie’s welfare was paramount over my own mobility.

 

Various homeopathic remedies were tried with Boo, with some considerable improvement, before we were compelled by degeneration of the condition to use prescription medication. Sadly these did not work, and Bonnie’s illness degenerated rapidly – much quicker than anyone associated with her expected. Bonnie began to show signs of severe discomfort and began limping heavily on her worst affected leg. She was examined by a vet with specialist knowledge of her condition, as well as by both partners at Farmhill Vets. At that point, in conjunction with Pathfinder Dogs, the decision was made to withdraw Bonnie from service as a guide, pending official retirement by Debbie, our Pathfinder Dog Instructor – I was not prepared to cause discomfort to Boo, or to any dog in my care, just for my own mobility. A new course of medication was prescribed in the hope that it would alleviate Bonnie’s discomfort, with symptoms becoming more evident in her other leg. This medication, like its predecessors, failed to improve Bonnie’s condition or effectively reduce her discomfort. 

On the advice of the vet, after a heartfelt and open discussion between myself Anne, founder of Pathfinder Dogs and Debbie, our Pathfinder Dog Instructor (all with extensive experience and knowledge of German Shepherd dogs), it was recognised that there was no longer any veterinary intervention that could be offered for Bonnie. With an extremely heavy heart, permission was given to the vet to put Bonnie to sleep, thereby releasing her from a painful, terminal illness. Bonnie went to her favourite beach for a final, extended free run, which she enjoyed enormously. Sadly there was a heavy price attached, as the condition she had took a heavy toll, showing us exactly how bad it had become, hidden away by a brave, courageous dog who never squeaked once. 

On Monday, 20^th February 2012, our wonderful, courageous and very much loved Bonnie was quietly and peacefully put to sleep in my arms. Bonnie slipped away quietly, with many tears falling on her head. Her pain had ended, before it reached a point where she would be unable to move at all. In the weeks prior, her ability to move had become reduced to no more than ten minutes of exercise a day. Sacro equinas is a serious, degenerative and painful condition, not easily diagnosed. I am eternally grateful to Anne, Eddy and Debbie from Pathfinder Dogs for their unending support, and to John and Arthur, partners at Farmhill Vets in Carrickfergus, for their care of Bonnie.

Bonnie was cremated and has returned to us, where she will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Boo was loved and appreciated far more than mere words can convey. She was a pioneer for Pathfinder Dogs, and will remain in all of our hearts and minds as a very special lady indeed.

Thank you for everything, Boo. One day, we will meet again on the Rainbow Bridge.