Bravo - A tail of bravery, generosity and friendship

March 23 2009

Every so often there's a story at the RSPCA that brings a smile to your face...

It's not every day that a dog gets to travel first class on a plane. Actually, it's not every day that a dog gets to lounge around in their very own private room at the airport either... Come to think of it, how many dogs get to have their own compartment on their afore-mentioned first class flight?

Well that's all changed now since a tiny Silky Terrior was given the Five Star treatment by the RSPCA's latest sponsors, SkyWest.

The airline now provides the RSPCA with free flights when we need them and first in line for the airborne treatment was 'Bravo' (we'll get to how he got that name in a moment) who needed urgent attention following a serious injury to his leg. Our newly appointed Prosecuting Inspector, Natalie, flew to Geraldton to collect little Bravo after the tiny dog was found with a badly dreadlocked coat, a bad case of fleas and ticks, and that badly broken leg.

“Although the fleas and the dreadlocks were fixed with a dose of flea treatment and a pair of scissors, the leg required the attention of the RSPCA vet in Perth,” said Inspector Natalie.

So Bravo was flown down to Perth courtesy of Skywest on board the plane “FNB”, referred to by staff at the airline as 'Bravo', hence the little dog’s new name. He spent the first night at Inspector Natalie's home where they became best of mates and the following morning he was brought to the RSPCA's Malaga Vet for medical treatment.

“We are so grateful to Skywest, who not only transported little Bravo to Perth but gave him the five star treatment, including a private room at Geraldton Airport, pre-board photos with the pilots and his own compartment in the back of the aircraft,” said Inspector Natalie.

Bravo has since had his injured leg removed, but even with only 3 legs, his big heart and happy personality remain well intact. It will still take a few weeks for him to recover fully from his ordeal, but if anyone can offer Little Bravo (or any of the other animals at the RSPCA’s Paw Central in Malaga) a warm, loving home, get in touch with us on 9209 9300.

Or come and see us and him at 108 Malaga Drive, Malaga.