In early September 2024, my 9-year-old dog Bonnie, my little loyal companion, was given only days to live.
I was down in Sydney with her for a routine check-up when the vet told us she had severe diabetes, and toxic shock would likely end her life within days. The news left us stunned. Heartbroken. Bonnie had been her usual cheerful self, showing only minor signs of ill health—she’d lost a little weight and started drinking more water, but that was it.
Knowing she had only a few days left, we took her straight back to our farm on the mid-north coast, her happy place, where she could spend her final days surrounded by nature and the familiar sights and sounds she loved.
Bonnie’s days on the farm over the past five years had been marked by an unmistakable joy. She is more relaxed and free, delighted by her surroundings—her guinea fowl & peafowl friends, the myriad of other birds, the wallabies, and even the occasional turtle by the lake.
Preparing for the worst, I even had her grave dug overlooking the lake so she could rest forever with the view she loved. With a heavy heart, I left on a prearranged trip, ready for the news that my little buddy had finally left us.
But those days stretched into weeks.
Here we are, eight weeks later, and Bonnie is still with us. She has defied all the odds.
She is undeniably thin, yet each morning she wakes up wagging her tail, still excited to run outside, play, and explore. She’s still vibrant, still happy, and though I know our time together is short, Bonnie’s attitude has given me something powerful.
The Life Lesson from Bonnie
The lesson Bonnie has taught me over these weeks is one of resilience, love, and the simple power of joy. Despite her body’s condition, her spirit remains strong. Bonnie shows us that happiness and a sense of purpose can profoundly impact our quality of life—even in the face of adversity.
Bonnie’s story reminds me, and hopefully, everyone reading this, to embrace every day as if it’s your last. She finds joy in each morning, every moment spent on the farm, and each simple pleasure of life—because, for her, they are enough.
Her life is a reminder that we all face our own challenges, but our outlook and commitment to living fully can help us endure in ways we might never expect.
Bonnie will soon leave us, and that will be a hard day for me. But for now, I find peace knowing she’s spending her final days in happiness and freedom, surrounded by the people and environment she loves.
Thank you, Bonnie, for showing us how to squeeze every bit out of life with bright eyes, a wet nose, and a waggly tail.
Postscript - A Final Chapter for Bonnie
Bonnie’s journey didn’t end as quickly as the vets predicted. In true Bonnie fashion, she defied the odds, living nearly six months longer than expected … six precious months filled with adventure, joy, and unwavering companionship.
She was always curious and full of life.
She continued to chase the ball with that same determined spirit, came with me on countless fishing trips down to the dam, and never tired of racing to the farm shed hoping to sniff out a mouse or two.
She barked with gusto at the resident goannas as they meandered across our yards, as if daring them to step out of line, and remained my shadow, going everywhere with me.
Even in her final days, Bonnie never let illness define her.
She only slowed down in the last two days, and on the 18th of February 2025, she passed away, having lived every last moment to the fullest.
Bonnie wasn’t just a dog to me, she was a reminder of what it means to embrace life wholeheartedly, to find joy in the simple things, and to love with complete loyalty.
She left this world just as she lived in it: happy, loved, and free.
Rest easy, my little mate.
The farm won’t be the same without you, but your spirit will always be here, in the rustle of the grass, the ripples on the lake, and the quiet moments where I still expect to see you trotting beside me.
Grief is the price we pay for love, and the love was worth every moment.
Thank you, my darling Bonnie, for everything.
14 Responses
Greg what a beautiful article. “Each simple pleasure in life is enough “
Thank you Christine … yes, us humans can overcomplicate things sometimes, and it takes our furry friends to point that out.
A truly beautiful and heart warming story, highlighting the strong bonds of love and companionship we have with our fur babies. Quite often teaching us things other humans never could. Enjoy these final moments Greg, as they are so special. May Bonnie have her best final days with you and her family around her giving her immense love (and her favourite treats).
🥰
Great story Greg…..Bonnie has given your family nine years of “unconditional love” which we all feel energised by.
Yep, amazing what a small animal can do!
What a beautiful story and a reminder to us all to cherish every day and not let anything spoil or ruin our joy. I was imagining what the farm looked like with the fowls and the lake and bonnie walking or running along having a wonderful time.
Dogs truly are a man’s best friend and it is the beautiful animals and people in our lives that truly make life richer. Our possessions are nice and I enjoy them but nothing can compare to time spent with our pets and friends/family.
Best wishes
So true … thank you Matthew.
Wonderful words Greg. Times like this heighten the senses and certainly remind you of what is important.
It certainly does Rick.
Beautiful 🙏
Hi mate
Frankie let me know the bad news after he spoke to you during the week.
I didn’t want to impose on your grief at that moment.
Your written feelings are a resounding reminder for us to cherish NOW and not be caught up in the past or the future.
Love for another creature brings a joy that far outweighs the grief that is felt in the loss of that loved one which can only be tempered by holding them in your thoughts forever.
You are so lucky to have enjoyed such love.
Thank you for sharing Greg ❤️ After my week, my eyes have sprung a leak again 😢. There is nothing like the unconditional love for and from your fur babies.
You gave her a lovely and loving journey over the rainbow bridge.
RIP Bonnie 🌈🩷
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful 4 legged friend. Bonnie certainly lived her final years in Paradise surrounded by love. What a life!