Facebook mourners share their grief that adorable Bonsai, the dog born with half a body, has died
The British Bulldog had a rare condition... and was barely one year old when he passed away
THIS adorable British Bulldog, who was born with half a body, has passed away after just 16 months alive.
Bonsai the dog was born in April last year with only half a spine, no pelvis, and tiny contracted hind legs.
The pooch, who lived in Arkansas, USA, suffered from a rare human condition called Caudal Regression, and his owners always knew his life could be short.
He was also born a Walrus Puppy, or water pup, engorged with fluid – and later developed Swimmer’s Syndrome, which made his chest dangerously flat and his legs splay out to the sides.
Bonsai, who was the first animal documented to suffer from his exact catalogue of conditions, had his legs amputated last summer.
He died suddenly at 4am on Friday and, despite his disability, there was no prior warning for his heartbroken owners.
Posting on his Facebook page, his owner said: “I am heartsick to share with you - that our precious boy was called from our world.
“Shortly after midnight on Thursday, I tucked him into his little bed as I do each night.... a few “hours later I heard what sounded like a faint cough, little bark - and then nothing.
“I got up from my desk - and in the time it took to walk across the room - Bonsai was gone... his heart had stopped, just that quickly.
“In rescue, death becomes all too familiar - and we learn to work through the sadness and devastation, barely missing a beat - because that's what we HAVE to do for the others who count on us...
“But this one totally took me down - and I needed just a little time to process and mourn the loss of the boy who stole our hearts and ruled every moment of my world for the past 16 months.
“With dogs arriving from Greece that very afternoon, critical pups to care for and all that goes along with the day to day of a major medical rescue home - we couldn't just stop doing what we do each day....
“But I also couldn't bear to share our sorrow with the public, so forgive me for waiting until now to bring you the sad news.
“Bonsai's passing comes on the heels of another of our rescue angels who left us a couple of weeks ago... so this is doubly hard on our hearts.
“We will get through the days - the long nights - carry on as is needed for the little ones in our care - and those who continue to find their way to us because that's what we do.
“Bonsai's life was not in vain - his brilliant spirit will shine on in all of us...
“We'll see you again my prince - healthy and whole… we love you endlessly.”
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The has 54,400 followers, and the pooch’s many fans are all devastated by news of his passing.
Lisa Yost wrote: “Fly high with the angels sweet Bonsai”.
Michelle Reed Williams added: “RIP sweet boy. I admit I cried like a baby when I read your earlier post.
“I fell in love with this little man through your pics. He was an inspiration and will continue to be.”
Stacey Peacock-Leombruno wrote: “Rest in paradise sweet boy!”