Bonsai lived his first 6 years with an alcoholic. Sometimes she would be loving and kind to Bonsai but when she was in a drunken rage, she would be severely abusive to him. Because her behavior was so unpredictable, Bonsai learned that humans were not to be trusted.

When we rescued Bonsai he would not let us get close to him. When we entered the pasture he would immediately run away expecting to be punched in the face. It took several months for Bonsai to allow us near him.  Because his previous owner’s drunken rages were so erratic, it took a long time to gain his trust, he expected our moods to change, as his owner’s had.

Bonsai’s heart is healing every day. He does not run away anymore and often approaches us for treats and affection. We will keep working with Bonsai till he no longer flinches when we move our hands too fast and till he no longer remembers what it was like to be hit.