Sully - Staying With Owner

Name: Sully

Age: Unknown, possibly around 6 years

Breed: Collie / Labrador Mix

Sex: Male (altered per current rescue)

Location: Jackson, TN area

Vet Info: Per his current rescue, Sully is neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.  Sully has tested HW positive and is beginning treatment.  He weighs approximately 63 pounds.  Sully is completely blind. 

Owner Info: Sully is a very handsome and friendly boy who has lived outside with 26 other dogs his whole life.  He didn't even have a name and was called only, "Blind Boy".  He now has a wonderful name and he is ready for his very own inside forever home!  As he lived outside with so many other dogs, he will need to learn potty training and leash training.  He also had to fight for his food by standing up to his kennel mates, and so Sully will need someone understanding and patient of his current needs, but he is doing wonderfully in his foster home and is learning very quickly!  His foster home says, "Sully is clearly adjusting to inside life.  He seems so happy, and he's really fitting in well with my other dogs.  They're jumping and playing, like they've known each other for years.  He has been quick to learn key commands such as stop and step.  By his behavior, you would never guess he's been outside his whole life.  He seems very trusting of us, and he has shown no negative behavior.  He takes a bit more attention, since he's  becoming familiar with the new environment, but other than that, he's just a sweet little guy" and even with all he's gone through, his rescue writes that "everyone at the vet's office loved him and couldn't believe how friendly he was".  

Gunner - In Foster Care

Name: Gunner

Age: 9 months approximately

Breed: Labrador / Doberman Mix

Sex: Male (not altered)

Location: Grand Island, NE area

Vet Info: Gunner has not been recently vetted.  He weighs approximately 45+ pounds.

Owner Info: Gunner's owner has a handicapped son.  With many doctor's appointments and hospital stays, she doesn't have the time to give Gunner what he needs, and she is desperately hoping for rescue for this sweet boy!  She is doing the best she can and it breaks her heart, but if rescue cannot be found, she will have to bring him to the shelter.  She has had Gunner about 4 months and originally took him on with the intention of finding him a permanent home, but has not been able to.  She writes that Gunner "has a birth defect. He was born completely blind. We do believe he can see shadows". He is an indoor dog who is crated, he is housebroken but not leash trained.  He knows the command Quiet, and has just learned Sit.  Gunner is a friendly boy and is good with people of all ages, both male and female dogs, and cats, and lives with a cat now.  He has never shown any aggression and is not possessive of toys, treats, or food.  His owner writes, "He does adapt well. It took him two or three days to learn our routines and where things are located. Giving him lots of love and attention helped. It relieve his anxiety. We are still doing our best to find him a new home. If we cannot find him a new home or foster home soon we will be forced to send him to the pound. This really breaks my heart."

Layla - In Foster Care

Name: Layla

Age: 8 or 9 years

Sex: Female (altered)

Breed: Labrador Mix

Location: Columbus, NJ area

Vet Info: Layla is spayed (shelter she came from confirmed all dogs are altered being being adopted). She is not up to date on vaccines.  She is heartworm negative per owner but this is also not confirmed.  Layla weighs approximately 105 pounds.  She may also have Lyme Disease. NOTE: Layla's owner has said she is willing to take her to have her vaccines brought up to date and to contribute to Layla’s care financially.

Owner Info: Layla is a sweet girl who is in urgent need of rescue.  Layla's owner adopted her from her local shelter after Hurricane Katrina.  On December 1st, she is moving to a new apartment with a lot of steps and she feels Layla would be unable to handle the steps due to her weight and eyesight.  She has tried a few rescues but they have not returned her phone calls or emails.  If Layla is unable to find rescue before December 1st, she may be euthanized.  Layla is FOR RESCUE ONLY.  Layla's owners noticed about 4 years ago that she was bumping into things, and a specialist diagnosed her with SARD (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration).  She is completely blind. Her owner says, "with her blindness and the lymes she has become over weight because she cannot be exercised enough to keep her weight under control.  It is also difficult for to clean herself so she needs help."  Layla is an indoor dog with run of the house, she is housebroken and leash trained.  She is good with people of all ages, and both dogs and cats.  She is not possessive of toys, treats or food, and has never shown any aggression.   Her owner writes, "Layla have adapted to 2 new places in the past few years. she bumps into things at first but given a little time she learns the lay of the land well. it helps if there is air fresheners or something that makes noise to help her get a reference point." Her owner writes, "Layla is a sweet and very well behaved dog. she gets along with my sons cats and dose not mind shairing a water bowl with them. she likes to cuddle with all the other pets in the house and doesn’t mind meeting new friends even if she is not spunky like she used to be."

Update 11/30/13: Layla’s vet's office says she's up to date on her rabies vaccine but they were unable to confirm her spay.  They commented several times on what a sweet and very good girl she is!

Update 12/1/13: Layla’s owners are moving today but are able to keep her for a few more days.  The shelter where Layla came from confirms they spay all the dogs before adoption and so Layla is no longer for rescue only!  

Nala - Staying With Owner

Name: Nala

Age: 6 years

Breed: Wheaten Terrier/Bearded Collie Mix

Sex: Female (altered)

Location: Carrollton, TX area

Vet Info: Nala is confirmed spayed but is not up to date on vaccines and has not been recently heartworm tested.  Her owners will have this done as soon as possible and will update us once they have.  Nala weighs about 45 pounds.

Owner Info: Nala's owners are heartbroken, but they feel she would be better off in a home where someone can be with her more than they can.  Nala developed SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration) about two months ago, and has been diagnosed with Cushings about six months ago.  She is completely blind.

Please read their heartfelt plea:  "Our sweet dog , Nala, is a 6 1/2 year old wheaten terrier / bearded collie mix who , in the past 6 months, has developed Cushing's syndrome and acute retinal degeneration. She has gained a tremendous amount of weight and is hurting herself every day. We have tried everything - she has broken out of 2 different types of crates -and now she is so depressed and just lays around and counter surfs all day. I am at work all day and my 2 sons are at school so we cannot be with her and she needs to be at a home where someone can watch her and be with her more. She is truly the sweetest dog I have ever met- she has never barked in 6 years ! She is the best little buddy ever but I can't care for her the way that she needs anymore."  Nala is an indoor dog with run of the house, she is housebroken and leash trained.  She is good with people of all ages.  They don't have any other pets, but they write, "She is really good with anyone or any other animal- she has never ever been aggressive in the whole time we have had her.  We used to have a shih tzu who we had when we got Nala. They got along amazingly well.  She has never been aggressive with any other dogs- we have taken her to the dog park many times and she always either just watches the other dogs or is very submissive and lets other dogs play with her and climb on her! She has been with my moms shih tzu many times and is very sweet and let's him climb all over her with no problems. She is very nurturing".  Her owner adds, "She really is the best dog ever- this has broken my heart but I want what is best for her."

Tanner - Adopted

Name: Tanner
Age: 5 years
Sex: Male (altered)
Breed: Alaskan Malamute
Location: Rhodes, Michigan

Vet Info: We have not been able to verify any medical info about Tanner as his owner has been giving Tanner and the other dogs their vaccinations.  She has told us that Tanner is current with all inoculations and his rabies is good through October 2015.  Tanner has been tested for heartworm and was negative, he weighs 85lbs. We have confirmed Tanner was neutered on 11/19/2013.

Owner Info: Tanner is good with all people, children female dogs and small animals. The owner has told us “Tanner, at one time was house broken...as a puppy. He is VERY friendly and loves attention and people. Tanner went blind about 12 months ago, I have 12 other sled dogs, and he is not able to participate like he did in the past and it is not fair for him to be in a kennel environment. I would like to find him a special home where he can get attention.”

Stevie - In Foster Care

Name: Stevie

Age: Estimated 7 years

Breed: Shih Tzu

Sex: Male (altered)

Location: Approx. an hour southeast of Raleigh, NC

Vet Info: Stevie is up to date on vaccines but is still in need of rabies (in the shelter confusion, his rabies vaccine wasn't given).  He has not had a recent heartworm test. His Good Samaritan writes that the vet said he has a heart murmur and cataracts in both eyes.  Stevie weighs approximately 8 pounds and was neutered on 11/19/13.

Owner Info: Stevie was recently pulled from a kill shelter, where he was picked up as a stray.  A Good Samaritan who pulls dogs from shelters for rescues saw him when she was at the shelter, and was told his time was up.  She said she couldn't leave him there!   Stevie is an indoor dog with run of the house, he is housebroken and leash trained.  He's good with both male and female dogs, and cats.  His caregiver writes that she's not seen him much around men "except for the vet who examined him, but he is a friendly, social little fellow so I doubt it is an issue".  Stevie is not possessive of toys, treats, or food and has never shown any aggression.  She says that he adapts well to new situations and has been able to figure out her house quickly.Here is what she writes about Stevie: "Stevie is an adventurous little guy!  this morning he did not readily come in from pottying, so I checked on him....he was standing on a bench .   I called him, and he carefully jumped the 18 inches to the ground and came running.  He gets along with my gang of small dogs and cats so he is not a problem.    He walks well with a harness and will make someone a wonderful companion.  He certainly did not deserve to die in a shelter!"  

Charlie - Adopted

Name: Charlie
Age: Approximately 8 years
Sex: Male (altered)
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Vet Info: Charlie tested positive for heartworm but is currently being treated.  He is UTD with inoculations. He is blind but appears to manage well. The owner has said that Charlie is scheduled to be neutered when his heartworm treatment has been completed, we have confirmed this has now been done.

Owner Info: Charlie was turned in to a shelter to be euthanized because he is blind.  He was saved by a small rescue.  The rescue is small with limited outreach and ideally would wish for a forever home for Charlie.  However, until Charlie has been neutered at the end of his heartworm treatment, he will be available for rescue placement.  Charlie is reported as being house broken, leash trained, and good with all dogs, cats, small animals and people. He weighs 26 lbs. The current owner has written the following about Charlie: “We are a rescue of mixed breed dogs. Charlie was pulled as he was blind and was going to be gassed. He desperately needs a forever home that will have more time for him and to fully develop this wonderful dogs personality. Eye specialist says he is a poor candidate for surgery although it maybe could be done but no guarantee and states he gets along fine and has probably been blind for a while. He is on three medicines and one eye is worse than the other.” 

Update 3/4/2014: We've heard from Charlie's owner, and she is moving soon and feels that Charlie really needs to be in a new home as soon as possible!

Precious - In BDRA Foster Care

Name: Precious

Age: Approximately 6 years

Breed: Shih Tzu

Sex: Female (altered)

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Vet Info:  Precious is confirmed heartworm negative and is confirmed spayed.  Precious received a one year rabies vaccination and the distemper/parvo vaccine on 12/6/13.   Precious weighs about 13 pounds.

Owner Info:  Precious is a beautiful little girl who was found roaming the streets on Halloween morning.  A Good Samaritan took her in, but is not able to keep her as she has reached the city limit for animals.  Precious was severely matted, eyes crusted shut, ear infections, toenails growing into the skin and infested with fleas.  The Good Samaritan brought her to the vet, and they found that she has ulcers in both eyes that have caused her to be completely blind, her front teeth are rotted out (she does still have her back teeth) and her bottom jaw is broken.  She will need artificial tears every day and will never regain her sight.  Her caregiver writes  "She is aged at 6 years old and is the sweetest dog.  She loves my other dogs and cats and all she wants to do is sit in my lap and be loved on. I do plan on getting her all vaccinations and getting her fixed as she looks to have been bred by her previous owners. I did find the owners, and upon talking to them, we agreed I was keeping the dog and not returning her to them because of her condition. She is on all medications she needs to be now".  Precious is an indoor dog with run of the house, she is housebroken and leash trained.  She is good with both men and women, and other dogs and cats, and currently lives with 4 other dogs and 2 cats.  She is not possessive of toys, treats, or food and has never shown any aggression.  Her caregiver writes, "even when she was on the street she just ran, she never tried to snap or bite at me".  Her caregiver says that she adapts well, and told us, "She adapts amazingly. She has been at my house only a week and has learned her way around, and where the back door is to go outside. She knows the steps already (with guidance at first, of course) and knows where her water bowl is. She knows when its bedtime and she sleeps on the bed with my other dogs. She stumbles around still but if you call her, she follows your voice instantly." Her caregiver wanted us to know that Precious does look "a little rough around the edges now" as she is unable to be groomed until she gets her vaccinations, but she is still a beautiful girl!  Precious is very sweet and very cuddly!  Her caregiver says, "This dog just wants a lap to sit in and food to eat. Besides her grooming and visual impairment, she is not a high maintenance dog. She sits at your feet when you are eating, she does not beg though. She has adapted great to me, and I am positive she would adapt great with other people. She was raised with a 6 year old girl, so I do know she had been around children."

Update 1/24/14: We've just heard from Precious's Good Samaritan and she will be moving soon.  Unfortunately, she is not able to take Precious with her.  Precious is becoming urgent!  She is able to help transport. She told us "Currently my situation has changed and I am having to move in the next month or so and I will be unable to take her with me, so I am getting slightly desperate. She is current on everything and is fixed. If you can please network her again, or update anything, i would be more than grateful!! Again, thank you so much for helping me before and now."

Update 1/30/2014: Here’s an update from Precious’s owner "She is doing great. Getting chubby (my bad)! haha. She gets along so great here and I don’t know how I’m going to give her up, it's going to kill me! All she wants to do is sleep and cuddle next to somebody. She would be the perfect dog. Her allergies act up from time to time and I was going to take her to an animal shelter I use to work at but I am so so so scared they won’t put her out for adoption because she's blind, needs dental work, a little shy (despite she opens up beautifully!). I would hate for her to be put in a cage her whole life just getting meds after meds and not able to find a home (they are a great shelter, but that is probably what they would do!)"

No Name Shepherd Mix - In Memory

Name: No name

Age: Unknown

Breed: Unknown, possibly shepherd mix

Sex: Male (not neutered)

Location: Akron, OH area

Vet Info: Vet estimates he is 10 years old, he weighs 44 lbs.  The vet says he's extremely thin, has broken and cracked teeth, had extremely long nails, is blind, and is partially deaf. Despite all of this, he's a sweet, sweet dog!!

Owner Info: This sweet boy was found on the side of the road and has been with a Good Samaritan for a few days, she will keep him until a forever home or rescue is found.  He is an outdoor dog without restrictions and it is not known if he is housebroken or good with other dogs and cats.  He does appear to be somewhat nervous and shy.  He has not shown any possession with toys, treats, or food, and has not shown any aggression.  He appears to be fully blind.  They write, "he is just really scared but very sweet!"  They are very much hoping that we can help!  

Scar - In BDRA Foster Care

Name: Scar

Age: Approximately 2 years

Breed: Hanging Tree Cow Dog

Sex: Male (altered)

Location: Hornell, NY area

Vet Info: Scar is confirmed neutered and up to date on vaccines.  He is next due for the rabies vaccine in March, 2016, and for the distemper vaccine in March of 2014.  He has not been recently heartworm tested.  Scar weighs about 60 pounds.

Owner Info: Scar lives on a working farm and his owner says that it is getting dangerous for him as he still tries to work the cattle.  He also runs into the machinery, and she is afraid he is going to hurt himself.  She has asked everyone she knows, but she's been unable to find a new home for Scar.  Scar is an outdoor dog without restrictions, he is housebroken and leash trained.  He knows "come" and "crate".  Scar is good with women and other dogs, and his owner wrote, "he is good with men just doesn't trust them he listens to my boyfriend but isn't 'friendly' with him", and she says he doesn't seem to mind the cat.   He does chase the cows, pigs, and goat.  Scar has never bitten or snapped and is not possessive of toys, treats, or food.  Scar came from an abusive home and may be slow to warm up.  His owner says, "He adjusts once he trusts someone he came from an abusive home before us so he really needs a person to trust."  He can see movement and may see objects clearly, but his pupils stay dilated and he will run into you if you are standing still.  Scar is missing part of his lip but this doesn't affect him at all.  She just cleans his teeth off for him.  Other than that, she says that he is in great health! His owner adds, "He is a sweetheart. Once he trusts you he wants to be with you and play. He loves my 3 yr old son. He is good in the house but i have not had him in alot. Once he gets used to a situation and a place he is really good. I love him I just dont want to see him get hurt. He needs more time then i can give him."

Update 4/12/14: We heard from Scar's owner today. He is doing very well and still needs a new home. And he loves his owner's four year old! Scar would be a great family dog!

Update 7/21/2014: OS has received this message from Scar's owner today and he is now extremely urgent!  “Has there been any interest in Scar?  If not I am going to have to put him to sleep he killed a piglet today and although he is great w dogs and cats he is getting horrible w the livestock because he can't see them. Thank you.”

Rocky - Adopted

Name: Rocky

Age: 2 years

Breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix

Sex: Male (not altered)

Location: Fort Worth, TX area

Vet Info: His owner says he is up to date on vaccines and that he is completely blind in his right eye, and "his left eye is on the way".  Likely cause is cataracts.  Rocky weighs about 80 pounds.

Owner Info (from email received): I have a facebook friend from my high school that is in a tough situation with her dog, Rocky.  The vet told her he is going blind. He's a two year old Rhodesian Ridgeback mix and has been an outside dog. Good with kids (has been around toddlers) and other pets. Unaltered. His owner is a caregiver to two seriously ill people and is unequipped to manage this as well. She feels her only option is to put him to sleep. She doesn't feel she can help him through his transition, and she has a lot of other pressing human problems on her plate.  She has been unsuccessful in finding a rescue, and plans to have him put down on Friday.  

Update 11/7:  Rocky is still in need and there has not been any interest.  He has another week to find a home or rescue.  His owner told us: “There hasn't been a single contact for anyone, much less someone wanting to take him.  I called his vet.  He said it looked like juvenile cataracts. He's only seeing shadows in his right eye.  Would need to get him to an opthamologist to see if there are options.  Rocky has two other dogs with him in the backyard right now.”

Update 11/14: The person who contacted us will be getting Rocky tomorrow, and he'll head to boarding for now.  Please continue to share so he can find rescue or an adoptive home!  

Billy - Adopted

Name: Billy

Age: Senior

Sex: Male (altered)

Breed: Labrador Mix

Location: Cookeville, TN area

Vet Info: Billy is confirmed neutered and up to date on vaccines.  He is heartworm positive and has begun treatment through the vet clinic.   He weighs approximately 50 pounds.

Owner Info: Billy came into a vet clinic as a stray, and they are all working together to find him a home or rescue!   They have been unable to find an owner.  Billy is an indoor dog and is housebroken and leash trained.  He is good with both men and women and is not possessive of toys, treats, or food.  However, he has shown aggression to other dogs, which they feel is a result of his blindness.  They write, "Billy does not seem to like other dogs, but I think it is more of a function of his being blind. All of a sudden he just feels another animal next to him, and since he can't see it, he feels endangered. When we tested Billy with other dogs, he snapped at the other dog. We had both dogs on leashes and were able to pull them away from each other before an altercation occurred."  Billy's blindness may not be 100%, but he is very near that.  The cause of his blindness is not known, but he does not appear to have any eye injuries.  They write, "Despite his eye problems and heartworms, Billy seems to be in overall good health otherwise. He eats well, goes to the bathroom regularly, and is pretty active for a senior dog."  They add that transport help is available.  

Update 11/20: SUPER URGENT!!! WILL BE PTS 11/22!!! This sweet boy is Billy Bones. He is looking for someone with a great big heart to take him in!! Unfortunately, this fella is older, blind, and is heartworm positive. If you could open up your home and your heart to let Billy live comfortably in someone's loving arms, it would be the most rewarding experience of your life! Older dogs don't have any less love to give...they just have to cram all their love into a shorter time, which means your heart will be absolutely full of love and joy when you take him home! If you cannot adopt, please just consider fostering Billy so he doesn't have to spend his golden years in a cage! Billy is FREE to the perfect home, so please consider this wonderful baby! 

Mickey - In Memory

Name: Mickey

Age: Approximately 1 year

Sex: Male (altered)

Breed: Boston/Pit Mix?

Location: Northern NJ (along the coast)

Vet Info: Mickey had a rabies shot in October 2013. He has not had a HW test according to the vet, but is on heartworm preventative. He weighs 27 pounds. He has hydrocephalus and appears to be blind. Mickey was neutered in January 2014.

Owner Info: Mickey was found tied to a pole in a parking lot in New Jersey on a very hot day in July, with no food or water around. He was taken in by a small rescue and they discovered that Mickey has neurological problems, including hydrocephalus, and he is blind. He is an indoor dog who is not yet housetrained but he is good on a leash. He is good with people, except for very small children, and also good with other dogs. He has been very sweet and has not bitten or snapped, or showed any signs of aggression. The rescue describes him as sweet and loving, and said they know he will thrive with the right person to give him a forever home!

Update 4/16/14: Mickey still needs a home! He is just a puppy and is a beautiful boy!!