In a heartwarming story that highlights the power of community, a veterinarian has shared how social media pitched in to fund crucial medical care for a dog named Bonnie. Without this collective effort, Bonnie’s survival would have been unlikely.
Dr. Michele Forbes, who runs Compassionate Care Animal Hospital, received a distressing call in August from Bonnie’s owner. The pup was seriously ill, yet nearly 30 local clinics turned her away due to concerns over the cost of diagnosis and treatment.
“I felt the pressure; I don’t have a large nonprofit,” Dr. Forbes said, noting that her annual budget was less than Bonnie’s care alone.
Bonnie was in bad shape—vomiting, not eating, running a fever of 104, and exhibiting lethargy. Dr. Forbes decided to admit her for treatment, which included blood tests, exploratory surgery, and an ultrasound, racking up around $8,500 in medical bills over the course of five days.
While caring for Bonnie, Dr. Forbes turned to TikTok (@drforbeez) to tell her story, hoping to raise funds through the platform’s Creator Rewards Program, which requires original content of at least a minute and some engagement to qualify.
What happened next was beyond her wildest expectations.
Bonnie’s story blew up, racking up over 4.2 million views, and sparked a wave of donations from TikTok users. Thanks to their generosity, Dr. Forbes was able to cover all of Bonnie’s medical expenses.
Though the team never figured out what caused Bonnie’s illness, she is now thriving back at home. “Without the support, she likely wouldn’t have made it,” Dr. Forbes mentioned, reflecting on the gravity of the situation.
Grateful for the response, Dr. Forbes made another video to thank everyone and capture the emotional reunion between Bonnie and her owner. This footage also gained traction with over 247,000 views and 61,800 likes on TikTok.
The support from the online community has led to an influx of inquiries at her clinic, keeping her and her team on their toes. “It’s tough sometimes as a vet to see pet owners struggle with care costs,” she shared. “I believe in making pet care accessible to all, not just the affluent. The response to Bonnie’s story has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m truly grateful. I’ve been able to assist more families this past week alone.”
TikTok Users Respond
The journey of Bonnie and the community’s support has prompted over 4,000 comments on TikTok.
One user commented, “Bonnie is such a beautiful angel, as are you and her mom.”
Another added, “What you did is amazing. It gives us hope that people have genuine kindness and care.”
As one user beautifully noted, “You are an incredible human being, and I’m so glad Bonnie is thriving now.” While another expressed gratitude, saying, “Thanks for helping them and to everyone who donated!”