RANSOMVILLE, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Niagara SPCA has created an award in honor of Bonita, the five-year-old pit bull mix who was at the shelter for close to 500 days before getting adopted, and her owner has received the first-ever honor.
Ray Kinz, of Ransomville, was presented with the inaugural “Bonita Award” for his selfless adoption of Bonita.
Bonita was passed by each and every day until Kinz came into the shelter and asked which dog had been there the longest. He was then introduced to Bonita and it was love at first sight. Bonita’s reaction to finding out she was going home for the first time was nothing short of amazing.
A video of Bonita leaping for joy as staff members cheered her on as she left the shelter went viral. Kinz’s act of kindness was featured nationally on FOX News, The View, and Good Morning America to name a few. He has done countless interviews to share Bonita’s story and the importance of adoption.
“I am honored to receive the award, but really it goes to Bonita,” said Kinz when learning of the award. “She patiently waited for me for 500 days and is an amazing dog. I had no idea when I adopted her so much attention would be created. But I'm extremely happy that it did and millions of people saw just how amazing it is to give an older dog a chance. They see how happy both of us are and hopefully it encourages people to adopt the older pups. The Niagara SPCA took care of her for so long and did an outstanding job. It has been pure joy helping them spread the word about older dogs available for adoption. Bonita has thousands of fans around the world and we will both continue to help the shelter in any way we can.”
Kinz was given the award during Mardi Paws, at the Sheraton in Niagara Falls, on February 25, 2020. The fundraiser for the Niagara SPCA featured Cajun food, basket raffles, a wine ring toss, music from DJ and Honorary Chairman Pat Proctor, a photo booth and more.
