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Bonkers didn’t understand why he was alone. One moment, he was tied outside a grocery store, waiting for the only person he had ever known. The next, flashing lights filled the night, and his world changed forever. His owner was taken away, and Bonkers was led to a shelter—trapped behind bars in his own kind of jail cell, waiting for someone who might never come.
Meet Bonkers: From The Streets To A Second Chance
Bonkers had no idea his life was about to change forever. Before he landed in a shelter, he belonged to a man experiencing homelessness in Leicestershire, England. The two were inseparable, navigating life together as they moved from place to place. Bonkers had companionship, routine, and a person who cared for him—but stability was always out of reach.
Then, one desperate night, everything unraveled. Bonkers didn’t know why he had been tied outside a grocery store or why his owner never returned. All he knew was that flashing lights filled the night, strangers took him away, and the world as he knew it was gone.
The Arrest That Changed Everything
Bonkers had no idea the night would end the way it did. His owner, desperate and out of options, stormed into a grocery store, wielding a knife in an attempt to steal money. As the chaos unfolded inside, Bonkers remained tied up just outside, unaware that the world he knew was about to vanish.
By the time police arrived, the robbery had failed, and his owner was in handcuffs. Officers found the trembling dog still waiting outside, his leash fastened to a post, his eyes scanning for the only person he had ever known.
But no familiar voice called for him. No reassuring hand reached out. Instead, Bonkers was taken by authorities and sent to College Garth Kennels, a shelter that often took in dogs from difficult situations.
For a brief moment, it seemed like this wouldn’t be the end of their story. When Bonkers’ owner was released on bail, he returned to reclaim his loyal companion. The two were reunited, but their time together was short-lived.
Soon after, he was sent back to jail, and this time, Bonkers was left behind for good. Once again, he found himself alone—abandoned in a place he didn’t understand, waiting for someone who might never come.
Struggling In Shelter: The Hidden Toll On Dogs
At College Garth Kennels, Bonkers’ world shrank to the size of a kennel run. The routines were different, the smells strange, the voices around him unfamiliar. Days turned into weeks, and the stress began to take its toll.
Like many dogs struggling in shelters, Bonkers started to break down. He began chewing at his limbs, chasing his tail obsessively, and rubbing his head raw against the kennel bars. His fur thinned in patches, and the once-lively dog started to shut down emotionally.
His behavior wasn’t unusual. Research indicates that stressors inherent in shelter environments, such as uncontrollable noise, lack of routine, and social isolation, can lead to elevated levels of glucocorticoid stress hormones in dogs, potentially resulting in long-term behavioral changes.
Even short-term shelter stays can cause dogs to experience acute stress, which is why many animal shelters utilize short-term fostering programs to relieve the stresses of kennel life.
The effects can be even more damaging for dogs who remain in shelters for extended periods. Research has found that some dogs in shelters display learned helplessness. In this state, they essentially shut down emotionally, no longer engaging with humans or their surroundings because they’ve lost hope.
Long-term shelter dogs also often exhibit increased signs of aggression and high arousal, reducing their adoption chances even more.
Bonkers was no exception to these patterns. The stress of losing his owner and being confined to a kennel was wearing him down, and his once-bright spirit was fading. With each passing day, the possibility of adoption grew slimmer.
If no one stepped in soon, Bonkers risked becoming another statistic—a dog who had lost everything and faded into the background of a crowded shelter. But just when it seemed like hope was slipping away, someone noticed him.
The Rescue That Almost Didn’t Happen
When it seemed like Bonkers might fade into the background of the shelter, Emma Braby, a Leicester police officer with a soft spot for Bull Terriers, walked through the doors. She had come looking for a dog needing a home, but she had no idea she was about to meet the one who needed her most.
Bonkers, a Bull Terrier crossed with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, wasn’t the only dog at the shelter, but something about him immediately caught Emma’s attention.
Maybe it was his expressive eyes or how he cautiously approached, seeking connection despite everything he had been through. This sweet boy was desperate for love, and he needed saving. Whatever it was, Emma knew—this dog needed her as much as she needed him.
But taking Bonkers home wouldn’t be so simple. Shelter staff warned her that his former owner had plans to send someone to reclaim him. Emma faced an agonizing two-week wait, unsure if she would even get the chance to adopt him.
Each day, she braced herself for bad news, dreading that he might be taken away before she could make him hers. At the same time, she understood the weight of the situation.
Bonkers had once belonged to someone who still wanted him. While she couldn’t ignore the bond they had shared, she also couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed to offer Bonkers a fresh start.
Then, silence. The person who was supposed to come for Bonkers never showed up. At last, Emma was free to bring him home.
Life After Adoption: From Canine Convict To Couch King
The moment Emma brought Bonkers home, it was as if he finally understood—he was safe. No more cold nights, uncertainty, or waiting behind bars.
As soon as he stepped into his new home, he melted into Emma’s arms. The tough, battle-worn shelter dog had found where he belonged.
Life with Emma was a complete transformation. Instead of pacing in a kennel, Bonkers had a cozy bed, a warm home, and a new best friend—Chips, a lively young Dachshund who kept him on his toes. The once-lonely dog now had a two-minute walk to the beach, new places to explore, and the freedom to just be a dog.
The irony wasn’t lost on Emma. “I’m a cop, and now I live with a ‘convict,’” she joked. A dog caught up in someone else’s mistakes was now curled up on the couch of someone who, in another situation, might have been the one taking his owner away.
But love doesn’t care about labels. Bonkers wasn’t a convict—he was just a dog who needed a fresh start. And Emma knew, without a doubt, that he was meant to be hers.
Bonkers wasn’t just surviving anymore—he was thriving. He traveled across Europe with Emma, made friends everywhere he went, and rediscovered the joy of play. But while he was mostly a laid-back pup, one thing always reminded Emma why he was named Bonkers-his legendary zoomies.
Once a day, without fail, Bonkers would explode into a whirlwind of energy, headbutting doors, diving across couches, and spinning so fast that his legs couldn’t always keep up. Emma couldn’t believe her eyes the first time she saw it—was this dog part breakdancer? Watching him zoom around, she knew the name Bonkers suited him perfectly.
The details of Bonkers’ early life may always remain a mystery. But one thing is certain—he had gone from a life of uncertainty to unconditional love. And for Emma, he was the best decision she had ever made.
Homelessness And Dogs: The Harsh Reality
Bonkers was one of the lucky ones. Many dogs in similar situations never find a happy ending.
Studies estimate that anywhere from 5% to 25% of people without housing have pets, with some regions reporting even higher numbers. These pets provide companionship, protection, and a source of unconditional love for their owners.
But when homelessness forces people to make impossible choices, pets can become collateral damage.
One of the biggest challenges is that most homeless shelters do not allow animals. This means pet owners must choose between seeking shelter for themselves or staying on the streets with their animals. Many choose the latter, prioritizing their pets over their own safety.
Even when assistance is available, resources are limited. There are far fewer pet-friendly shelters than people who need them.
For dogs like Bonkers, transitioning from street life to a shelter can be traumatic. Separation from their owners, unfamiliar environments, and prolonged kennel stays can all lead to stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues, which in turn make them harder to adopt. Many of these dogs end up staying in shelters for long periods—or worse, facing euthanasia due to overcrowding.
Bonkers’ story is rare—many dogs like him don’t get a second chance.
How Pets Help The Homeless
For many people experiencing homelessness, a pet is more than just a companion—they are family, protection, and a reason to keep going.
Studies show that individuals without housing who have pets experience lower rates of depression and loneliness compared to those without them. These animals provide unconditional love, emotional support, and a sense of normalcy in an otherwise unpredictable life.
Beyond emotional well-being, pets can also serve practical roles for their owners. They provide protection, acting as deterrents against theft or violence, and encourage healthier routines, as their owners must find food, shelter, and exercise for them daily.
In many cases, unhoused individuals will go without food to ensure their pets are fed first—a testament to how deep these bonds run.
Unfortunately, despite the apparent benefits, systemic barriers make it incredibly difficult for houseless pet owners to access resources. Few homeless shelters allow animals, and veterinary care is expensive, leaving many struggling to provide medical treatment when needed.
Organizations that offer pet food, supplies, and medical care specifically for the unhoused and their pets are scarce, though some are working to fill this gap.
Bonkers’ former owner was just one of thousands who have faced the heartbreaking reality of caring for a pet while experiencing homelessness. His story highlights the urgent need for more pet-friendly shelters, better resources, and increased compassion toward people navigating homelessness with their animals.
Pets And Rehabilitation: Animal Programs For The Incarcerated
Much like those experiencing homelessness, incarcerated individuals can also benefit from relationships with animals. Across the U.S. and other countries, prison-based dog training and rehabilitation programs have gained recognition for their ability to impact both inmates and shelter dogs positively.
In these programs, incarcerated individuals train, rehabilitate, and care for dogs, often those with behavioral issues or a history of trauma.
Studies suggest that these programs can lead to:
- Higher adoption rates for dogs in the program, as they learn essential socialization and training skills
- Improved emotional well-being through the therapeutic effects of working with animals
- Lower behavioral infraction rates for inmates who participate
- Reduced recidivism (the tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend)
- Reduced stress levels for staff and inmates while fostering positive communication between the two
Many inmates in these programs express how caring for an animal gives them a sense of redemption—a way to give back, even in confinement. The structured care routine and emotional connection with the dogs help build empathy, patience, and self-worth, qualities that can be hard to find in a prison environment.
Every Dog Deserves A Second Chance
Bonkers’ journey—from the streets to a shelter, from uncertainty to a loving home—serves as a reminder that every dog deserves a second chance, regardless of their past.
His story is also a reflection of a much bigger issue: the interwoven struggles of homelessness, incarceration, and pet ownership.
Whether it’s someone experiencing homelessness forced to give up their only source of comfort or an incarcerated individual finding redemption through an animal training program, these stories highlight the undeniable bond between people and their pets—one that persists even in the most challenging circumstances.
The reality is that countless animals like Bonkers are still waiting in shelters, their futures uncertain. Many won’t get the lucky break he did. But there are ways to help, starting with awareness, compassion, and action.
How You Can Help
If Bonkers’ story resonated with you, here are a few ways to support homeless pet owners and at-risk shelter dogs:
- Donate to pet-friendly homeless shelters that allow individuals to keep their pets.
- Support organizations that provide veterinary care, food, and supplies to people experiencing homelessness with animals.
- Consider fostering or adopting—many dogs struggle in shelters for long periods, waiting for someone to take a chance on them.
- Advocate for more pet-inclusive policies in homeless shelters and housing programs so that fewer people are forced to choose between their safety and their pets.
- Support prison-based animal rehabilitation programs, which help both incarcerated individuals and shelter animals gain a second chance.
Bonkers found his happy ending, but there are still so many animals out there waiting for theirs.
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Why Trust Canine Journal?
Tara is part of the Canine Journal team, which has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about anything and everything dog-related. Most of our team members are lifelong dog owners and can provide personal insights on each topic we cover.
