A MAN has been left “distressed and heartbroken” after his dog Bonnie was swept away in the River Arrow during their usual afternoon walk.
Owner AJ Abrar was walking four-year-old Bonnie near the grassed area beside the river when Bonnie, a female mixed-breed Ambull who “loved water”, suddenly leapt into the fast-flowing water.
“I tried to stop her but I looked away for a split second and she jumped in,” AJ said.
“I immediately jumped in after her. I grabbed hold of her for as long as I could.”
AJ clung to a large log with one hand while holding onto Bonnie with the other, fighting against the powerful current in the river, which was swollen after recent heavy rain.
“The current was incredibly strong. I ran out of strength and had to let go,” he said.
“I felt like she looked at me in a way telling me to let go, like she wanted to save me.”
Bonnie, who weighed 37kg, was swept away downstream at around 2.30pm on Wednesday, November 12.
Moments later AJ, who is from Redditch, lost consciousness. He says he lay on the log and, after he came to, was helped when a passer-by heard his cries. Emergency services arrived within 15 minutes.
The police, ambulance service and specialist teams searched the area, many of whom recognised Bonnie - as she had previously been in the news after discovering a bag of drugs in a local park.
AJ said the community has been “so supportive and helpful” as he continues to search for Bonnie.
“I just want to find her,” he said.
“Bonnie loved everyone. She was so kind, protective, and loved being outdoors.
"She was my best friend, my hero, and I think she gave her life for me.”
AJ is urging anyone who spots Bonnie along the river to contact the authorities or himself so he can give her “the proper burial she deserves.”
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