The dog, affectionately named “Bonbon,” was initially found by residents of Sitio Bandila, Barangay Bonbon, on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022
Theresa Marie Vidal, an animal rescuer and one of those who rescued Bonbon, told SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, Nov. 9, that she learned of Bonbon’s circumstances through a social media post made by a resident of Sitio Bandila.
According to Jezzrel Tabal, a netizen, Bonbon was seen roaming around the area with the knife lodged in his head.
Tabal said he and his neighbors attempted to catch the dog in order to remove the knife but it immediately ran away and went into hiding.
Tabal said his neighbors had no idea who hurt the dog. He also appealed to netizens for help to get Bonbon treated.
Vidal said when she saw Tabal’s post, she immediately contacted him so that they could find Bonbon together.
On Monday, Nov. 7, Vidal, Tabal and Tabal’s father spent a whole day to search for the dog but to no avail.
She added that on the same day, personnel from Cebu City’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) also visited the barangay to look for Bonbon after reading Tabal’s post.
But Vidal’s group and the DVMF personnel failed to locate Bonbon.
Vidal and members of her family, along with Tabal and his father, resumed their search for Bonbon on Tuesday, Nov. 8, but still to no avail.
Vidal initially thought that Bonbon may have died from its wounds. Then she received a message online that someone had found the dog at dawn Wednesday.
Vidal immediately returned to the area and upon finding Bonbon, immediately sought the help of Dr. Ryan Yandug, a local veterinarian living in Barangay Guadalupe in Cebu City.
She immediately brought Bonbon to Yandug’s clinic on Wednesday morning.
As of 12 noon, Bonbon’s condition is now stable after Yandug successfully removed the knife from the dog’s forehead.
But Vidal said the dog still needs to be observed and to undergo another set of medical procedures in a few days.
No criminal charge
Vidal added that she and those concerned for Bonbon’s health have no plans to seek help in arresting those behind the dog’s situation.
“Our focus now is on Bonbon’s speedy recovery. I wish he (the suspect) regretted what he did and God would punish him on the dog’s behalf. I hope people will realize animals also have life and the right to live. So, respect their rights,” Vidal said.
Once Bonbon recovers from its injury, Vidal said the dog will be provided a new home.
She added that after hearing of Bonbon’s story, many people have already expressed interest in adopting the dog. (HIC)