Chewbacca - In BDRA Foster Care

Name:  Chewbacca

Age: Estimated 10 years

Breed:  Brussels Griffon

Sex:  Male (altered)

Location: OH/KY/WV border

Vet Info: Chewbacca is neutered. He is not up to date with vaccines. He has tested positive for ehrlichia.  In addition to his eye surgery, Chewbacca's paw pads were frostbitten and he has been hospitalized since being found only a few days ago.   He also has skin issues from the severe matting.  Chewbacca weighs 8.9 pounds.

Owner Info: Chewbacca was rescued a few days ago after being found frozen in a driveway one morning when overnight temperatures got to -10.  He was severely matted.  After being groomed, they realized he had already lost one eye and the other had a detached retina.  That eye has been removed.  His good samaritan is trying to pay for his vetting out of her own pocket and he is currently hospitalized in the clinic where she works.  They are very much hoping for rescue.  Chewbacca is an indoor dog and appears to be housebroken.  He may not be leash trained, but they don't yet know a lot about him.  He is not possessive of toys, treats or food and has not shown any aggression.  

His good samaritan gave us more details about him:

"The day we found him his eye was protoposed and retina was detached so it was extremely painful and we had to get it out. I have had him out everyday with me while working. He still is just laying a lot. He is on some heavy pain meds for his eye and paws. His skin is horrible from where he was matted so severely so he has been getting daily medicated baths to soothe him. He tolerates it well. Today was the first day he had contact with another dog and he started to wag his little tail- but the other dog wanted nothing to do with him. I have been hand feeding him and so has some of the other staff. He has not been around any men except today my 16yr old son came to see him and nothing spectacular happened. I spend a lot of time with him bc he loves to be held. He responds very well to my voice - he'll lift his little head up and try to find me. If I didn't have the larger breed pups I would keep this little guy in a heartbeat. Attached is a picture I took of him today before I left. As you can see there is a lot of swelling where we just took the eye- that is normal." And she adds, "He just really needs security, safety, and love in his final years. He is a sweet heart!"

Update 3/2/15: We were able to confirm Chewbacca's neuter today, and check out his adorable new photo!  He's giving a staff member kisses!    Here's an update from his good samaritan: "Today was the first day I actually saw him "perky" and he had his tail up. He's definitely feeling better. I also decided to take him outside this morning bc it wasn't as cold as it has been and he pottied immediately."

We asked about how Chewbacca is with other dogs and cats and his good samaritan wrote, "He has had very limited interaction- because we are a vet clinic and never know how a dog will react, we don't do nose to nose. The dog the other day was an employees dog. I have no idea how he would be with cats. Honestly as his personality comes out we are finding he's quirky and laid back. In his interaction with the employee's dog, he just started to wag his little tail!  :)"