Tonnerre the Malinois Faces Euthanasia Unless a Miracle Happens

A Dog Running Out of Time

Since July 13, 2025, Tonnerre has been held at the Moineville pound in Meurthe-et-Moselle. Despite his youth and vitality, no shelter has agreed to accept him. If nothing changes, he faces euthanasia within weeks.

Émilie, a dedicated employee at the pound, has refused to give up on him. “I couldn’t just stand by,” she explained. Instead, she has launched a public SOS to try to save Tonnerre’s life.

A Troubled Past

Tonnerre’s story began with heartbreak. Following a separation, his owner left him in the care of his ex-partner. When she later asked him to take the dog back, he claimed he did. But Tonnerre was found left alone in the garden—and during one visit from a relative, he bit out of fear.

Worse still, it has since emerged that Tonnerre may have suffered neglect and mistreatment. “He was kept locked in a basement, with no one caring for him,” Émilie said. “Now he’s afraid of humans and has trouble trusting people.”

A Gentle Giant in Disguise

Despite his defensive growls, Tonnerre’s true nature emerges when given patience and kindness. “If you throw him a ball, give him a treat, and let him come to you on his own, he transforms,” Émilie explained. “Once in confidence, he’s incredibly sweet, playful, and affectionate. He’s a real cuddle bug.”

Tonnerre’s behavior highlights the resilience of dogs: with time, consistency, and compassion, he can rediscover trust and enjoy a fulfilling life.

A Last Chance: Fundraising to Save Him

Because the pound cannot keep him indefinitely, Émilie reached out to dozens of shelters—but all declined. Finally, one private boarding facility agreed to accept Tonnerre. The cost, however, is steep: €570 per month.

To cover the expenses, Émilie has launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of €5,000. This would allow Tonnerre to stay several months in safety, receive proper care, and slowly rebuild confidence with humans—paving the way for adoption and a brighter future.

“This is about justice for Tonnerre,” Émilie insists. “He deserves the chance to live and to trust again.”