'Miracle' Dog Falls 11 Stories From Balcony and Survives, Owner Says
A Pekingese named Bonzo fell from an 11th-story condo and lived, his owner said.
— -- A dog that fell 11 stories from a Florida balcony and survived is being called a "miracle" dog.
Kimberly Bellinger was visiting her mom in West Palm Beach with her 12-year-old Pekingese Bonzo when the pooch fell “at least 120 feet” from the condo's balcony, Bellinger told ABC News today.
With Bonzo, which she rescued eight years ago, having neurological problems from a prior stroke and hip dysplasia causing him limited mobility, Bellinger said she thought she wouldn’t have to worry about letting him out on the balcony by himself since he couldn't walk very well.
Then she said she heard her mom yelling that Bonzo started walking.
“I went out to the balcony and I didn’t see him there. I looked over the edge of the balcony and I saw his little body laying there on the grass all the way down,” Bellinger recounted. “I was completely hysterical. I thought he was dead.”
Bellinger ran down to find Bonzo, surprisingly still breathing, and rushed him to Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists. After tests and x-rays were performed, only one broken rib was found and Bonzo was free to go home five days later, Bellinger said.
Dr. Ellen Gray, the veterinarian who treated Bonzo, told ABC News: “It's incredible that Bonzo survived, especially in light of his pre-existing orthopedic, neurologic and cardiac diseases. I have never seen an animal survive after a fall from such a great height. I am so happy that he could return to the loving home of the Bellinger family.”
Now, Bonzo is walking around, giving kisses, snuggling and begging for snacks like he used to, and is “back to being a little meatloaf,” Bellinger said. “It’s a miracle.”
She added: “I’m so grateful I’ve been given another chance for me to give him as much love as possible and for him to receive as much love as he deserves.”