Snickers - URGENT!!! - Will be PTS 7/6/2016

Name: Snickers

Breed: Shiba Inu

Age: Estimated 10-11 years

Sex: Male (altered)

Location: Richmond, VA area

Vet Info: Snickers is confirmed neutered and up to date on vaccines.  A heartworm and test and fecal test in May, 2015 were both negative.  Snickers is on preventative yearly.  Snickers weighs about 32 pounds.  

Owner Info: Snickers is a gorgeous Shiba Inu who was adopted in 2011.  He is a wonderful and very sweet boy, but he's also very strong, and his owners are having difficulty keeping him in their yard.  They write that it's gotten much worse recently, and as they now both work full time, they are not able to meet his needs.  They are hoping we can help!

Snickers did escape his yard recently and ended up in the local shelter, where they found him.  "He is a wonderful sweet and very strong dog and in good health except for being blind, which has never been an issue for us, except now he does not wish to stay in his yard. We build him a 20X20 kennel inside of our fenced in yard and now he is pulling on the kennel with his teeth until he gets something loose and then he escapes and finds a way to escape the yard and we are so afraid he is going to get hit by a car....We have talked to people, we have talked to the Shelter, he was picked up on Saturday, after escaping, and taken to the shelter and that scared us so much... Please help us." 

Snickers is an outdoor dog with a fenced yard, he is housebroken but not leash trained.  Snickers knows the command Sit, but doesn't come when called unless you have a treat.

Snickers is good with both men and women and other dogs, but he's not good with cats or other small animals.  "A rooster got in our yard once...and that almost turned out badly, but the rooster flew."  His owner tells us he's never been around children.  Snickers is not possessive of toys, treats, or food.  

Snickers owners feel he adapts well to new situations and surroundings and write, "It takes a little bit for him to figure out where things are, but once done, he does very well."

Snickers is completely blind, and his owners gave us more details:  "He started with pressure in his eyes...he had eye surgery by a doggie eye doctor in Richmond, but it was too late. He is 100% blind".   Other than his blindness, Snickers is in good health.  They tell us their vet said that "that he is a very healthy dog, no urinary problems, no hip problems, heart sounds good ..we are not even sure he was 6 when we got him. He is nothing but 32 pounds of muscle!"

His owners want us to know they love him very much, but they are "so afraid he is going to get out and be hit by a car", and realize they can no longer keep him.

Update 7/5/2016: We are reaching out as a last ditch effort to try and save this sweetie. We received an email from the owners tonight and they say that Snickers has once again gotten out of the yard and they just don't know what else to do. They feel they can't keep him and plan on making an appointment tomorrow to PTS. We are wondering if anyone has any suggestions or if anyone can help. He does seem to be displaying some symptoms (aggression not towards people but just in wanting to get out of the yard). I suggested that she have his thyroid tested as a forum mentioned that those symptoms can go hand in hand with a thyroid issue. I'm not sure if the owner will look into this but if anyone can help, please let us know. THERE IS NO TIME TO WASTE and this guy deserves better, much better!

Zero - In Memory

Name: Zero

Age: 6-8 years

Breed: Poodle

Sex: Female (not altered)

Location: Laredo, TX

Vet Info: Zero is not spayed or up to date on vaccines.  Her owner writes that she is heartworm negative, but this has not been confirmed.  Zero weighs about 5 pounds.  Her owner writes that she is completely blind and partially deaf.

Owner Info: Zero is an adorable little girl who was saved by a college student from a shelter on the day she was to be euthanized (Zero was found as a stray).  Her owner is moving in August and cannot keep Zero, but wanted to save her life and help her find a new home.  She has had Zero for two weeks.

Zero is an indoor dog with run of the house.  She is housebroken but not leash trained.  Zero is described as shy, but is a friendly little girl and good with people of all ages, male and female dogs, and cats.  She currently lives with two female dogs and one female cat.  Zero is not possessive of toys, treats, or food and has never bitten or snapped.  

Zero was in horrible condition when she was saved from the shelter (a "before" photo is attached).  Her owner gave us more information about Zero's blindness: "When I first brought her home, her hair was matted so badly she could barely open her mouth and eyes due to the knots covering it. I am assuming old age is the cause, if not just the matted hair covering her eyes could have caused her to lose eyesight due to only seeing darkness for however long she was in that condition."  

Zero's owner is desperately hoping we can help.  She writes, "I rescued her from a shelter the day she was going to be put down. She was in bad shape and I have helped her regain her health. I wish to see her have a forever home because unfortunately I cannot care for her."

Orion and Handsome Dan - In BDRA Foster Care

Orion

Handsome Dan

Names: Orion and Handsome Dan

Age: 2 ½ months

Breed: Catahoula Bird Dog Mix

Sex: Males (not altered)

Location: Fannin County, TX

Vet Info: Orion and Handsome Dan are not neutered.  Their owner has wormed them and given Spectra 5 in one.  She writes that they don't have fleas or ticks and both have excellent appetites and normal bowel and bladder function. She also tells us, "Handsome Dan and Orion are both completely blind in the right eye. Dan seems to be a bit more limited in his left than Orion, his left eye seems to work OK in good lighting unless things are moving quickly."  Dan is also deaf.  Orion weighs 11 1/2 pounds, Dan weighs 8 1/2 pounds.

Owner Info: DOB April 12, 2016. Orion and Handsome Dan are adorable and very sweet puppies whose owner lives on a farm and doesn't believe she can keep them safe.  She writes, "These boys need to be in a safe place with an experienced person - I don't believe I can keep them safe out here on the farm."  She tried to rehome them herself, but she realized that a rescue would be better able to find them a wonderful home.  She has not had any luck with other rescues and is hoping we'll have a place for them. 

She is hoping they can stay together as they rely on each other, but she wants us to know she "will do whatever is in their best interest for their safety and happiness".

Orion's and Dan's owner found their mother as a stray and is "pretty sure she was dumped, she was all bones and belly when found wandering in the country."  The puppies were born three weeks later.  She still has their mom.  

Orion and Handsome Dan are indoor dogs confined to one area of the house.  They are friendly little puppies and are good with people of all ages and other dogs.  They are not possessive of toys, treats, or food and have not shown any aggression.  

Dan doesn't yet respond to commands, but Orion is beginning to understand No, Dinner, and Cookies!  Their owner tells us that they're doing well, and neither of them know they are impaired in any way.  She also writes that they are very sweet!  

Gunner - URGENT!

Name: Gunner

Age: Approximately 3 years

Sex: Male (altered)

Breed: Boxer

Location: Blue Bell, PA

Vet Info: Gunner is not yet confirmed neutered. According to his owner, he is up to date on vaccines and heartworm negative. Gunner weighs around 57 pounds.  Gunner's owner writes that Gunner has enlarged globes, corneal clouding OU. Intraocular pressure is borderline high in the left eye, normal in the right. He has very slight vision in left eye, no vision in the right eye. Eyes overall very comfortable, condition stable over last year. Otherwise his health is reported as in excellent condition. 

Owner Info: Unfortunately, Gunner's owner is 93 and unable to care for the dog anymore. His doctor is advising him to not keep the dog as well. Therefore, his nephew has been trying to secure a new home for Gunner. However, Gunner is currently being boarded at the Vet's and it is uncertain how long he will have there. 

Gunner is originally came from a friend of the owner's and the owner thinks he was from a farm in Lancaster. He is an indoor dog who is crated and is housebroken. He is also leash trained. The owner describes him as outgoing, good with both men and women, male and female dogs. He isn't possessive over treats and has never shown any aggression. The owner says, "he is very outgoing and not phased by changes."  The owner would also like a potential adopter to know that "he is a very sweet and happy boy."

Gunner deserves a second chance with a family that will give him the love he deserves. I can imagine he is confused and sad after being taken away from his owner. Please help! 

Bobby - Staying With Owner

Name: Bobby

Age: 12.5 years

Sex: Male (altered)

Breed: Australian Shepherd

Location: Santa Fe,​ NM

Vet Info: Bobby is confirmed neutered. He had the three-year rabies and distemper vaccinations in August 2014. He had a Bordatella vaccination in November 2015. He last had a heartworm test in 2012, which was negative. Bobby had one eye removed about ten years ago due to glaucoma and is now almost completely blind in the other eye. He takes daily eye drops. Bobby is also almost deaf. He is on a renal diet and is stable. He is also on a thyroid medication trial. 

Owner Info: Bobby is a beautiful Australian Shepherd with a heartbreaking story. His owner loves him very much but can no longer afford to keep him. She is hoping he can find a comfortable, safe and loving home where his needs can be met. She does not want to surrender him to a shelter because she says that would be traumatizing for him. 

Bobby is an indoor dog with run of the house. He is micro-chipped. He is house-broken and leash-trained. He is well-trained and knows many commands, including sit, stay, lie down, up, back up, come, and eat. He is outgoing and good with men, women, and children, as well as cats. Bobby's owner has had rescued dogs and cats and Bobby has got along with them all. Bobby has never bitten anyone; however, his owner notes that herding dogs nip but he has never broken skin and never bitten a person. He may growl at another dog to tell him to respect his space but he has never been aggressive. Bobby's owner says he is much more guarded around other dogs since losing his eye but will give them plenty of warnings that he wants his space.

Bobby's owner says he adapts well to new situations and surroundings and she wants us to know that Bobby is very sweet-natured and loving. She says, "I would certainly keep him if I could afford. I love him so much that I'm willing to give him up to see that his needs are met and that he is loved." And also, "If I can't cover his medical bills or find a safe place for him, to euthanize him seems the most humane thing I can do."

Smoky - In BDRA Foster Care

Name: Smoky

Age: Estimated 5 or 6 years

Breed: Siberian Husky

Sex: Male (altered per owner, not yet confirmed)

Location: Limestone County, AL

Vet Info: Smoky is neutered per owner, but this has not yet been confirmed.  Smoky is up to date on his vaccines and is next due December 30th​.  His owner tells us that the last time he had a heartworm test, it was negative, but that he was high heartworm positive in the past.  Smoky has Progressive Retinal Atrophy and is completely blind.  He weighs about 60 pounds.

Owner Info: Smoky is a very handsome fellow whose owner is moving to another state on July 3rd and cannot take him with her.  She also tells us that she doesn't get to spend the time with him that he deserves.  She has posted Smoky but has not yet had any luck in finding him a new home.  She is very much hoping we can help.  She originally adopted Smoky from a shelter about three or four years ago.  

Smoky is an indoor dog confined to one area of the house.  He is housebroken and leash trained.  Smoky responds to his name and will follow the sound if you pat your leg.  He also knows "outside!"  

Smoky is good with men, women, and children.  His owner checked that he's good with female dogs, so we asked for more information about how he is with male dogs: ... "I have a male Yorkie and Smoky is just fine with him.  The few times I took him to the dog park, he seemed just fine around other dogs (I assume some of them were male).  For a husky, he is the most relaxed one I think I've seen but that's not saying a lot since he's the first I've ever owned.  The ONLY time I've ever seen him get aggressive is if a yappy dog gets in his face, or another dog comes after him, or he has a toy "on his person".  I only saw that occur once that I can remember.  I think it's safe to say he's totally fine around other male dogs.  I have 3 other female dogs (husky/pyrenees mix and 2 other Yorkies).  Again, he is very calm, low key, and low energy.  He needs more attention, walks, and love than I can give.  I'm sad to give him up but I think it's best for both of us."

Smoky is not possessive of toys, treats, or food.  His owner tells us that the only time he's ever snapped is when a hyper dog got near his face and he had a toy, however he rarely plays with toys.  

Smoky's owner feels he adapts well to new situations.  "He navigates very well. He uses his snout like a blind person uses a stick. He knows how to come inside and how to get to the bedroom without many problems. If you change the furniture around, he relearns."

Smoky's owner wanted us to know more about this very special fellow!  "He needs exercise but other than that (and being blind), he is in good health. When he was rescued several years ago, he was high positive for heartworms but has been cured of that via holistic medication and has been negative since after about a year of being with me....I recommend no hyper dogs and I do not know how he is with other animals like cats, rabbits, etc. Because huskies can have a high prey drive, I recommend a home with dogs or as an only dog. He is low energy and lays around a lot. He loves to go for walks/runs and is good with all people, children included." 

Red - URGENT!!!

Name: Red

Breed: Cur Mix

Age: 1 year

Sex: Male (not altered)

Location: Baton Rouge, LA area

Vet Info: We are told Red is up to date on his vaccines, but is not yet neutered.  Red is heartworm positive.  His contact gave us more information about his blindness: "This was a sudden onset of blindness. The inflammation to the optic nerve and surrounding areas was treated with steroids and he was given antibiotics. He has a follow up visit next week, but the eye specialists said that if he did not regain his sight after the treatment period he would most likely be permanently blind."  Red weighs about 40 pounds.

Owner Info: We were contacted by another organization about Red, a young and very sweet male dog who has recently gone blind.  Red is currently in boarding.  They are desperately trying to find him a home or rescue as soon as possible because he cannot stay in boarding much longer!  They have had Red vetted and will also have him neutered prior to rescue, if rescue is found.  Red was originally found as a stray.

Red is an indoor dog who is crated.  He is not yet housebroken, but is leash trained.  Red is good with both men and women, and male and female dogs.  He is not possessive of toys, treats, or food, but, "One of the kennel attendants said he was nervous at feeding time if another dog came too near his bowl."  Red has never bitten or snapped.

Red is a smart pup, and they tell us he's doing very well in adjusting to his disability.  They are desperately hoping we can help this sweet and happy fellow whose tail is always wagging!  

Update 6/9/2016: Up to $400 may be donated for hw treatment to a 501c3 rescue for Red!  Please continue to share for this sweet and happy fellow! 

Winnie

Name: Winnie

Age: 5 years

Breed: Bichon/Yorkie/Maltese / Poodle Mix

Sex: Female (altered)

Location: Oceana County, MI

Vet Info: Winnie is confirmed spayed.  She is next due for her rabies vaccine on 3/27/19.  She is also up to date on the Bordetella, Lepto, and 5in1 (DAP + Parvovirus) vaccines, which will be next due on 3/26/16.  Winnie's owners tell us she is heartworm negative, but this has not yet been confirmed.  She is completely blind. Winnie weighs about 12 pounds.

Owner Info: DOB 5/11/2011. Winnie is a beautiful little girl who has had some issues within the past year and a half, including bladder stones, issues with walking and standing on wood surfaces, and blindness.  Her owners are unable to care for her financially, and are hoping for rescue for sweet Winnie.  They have tried posting her on Facebook and talking with the local humane society, but they are afraid the humane society will put Winnie down.

Winnie is an indoor dog with run of the house, she is housebroken but not leash trained.  She's a smart little girl and knows several commands, including Sit, Up, Treat, Outside, Do Your Business, and Step.  

Winnie is good with both male and female dogs, and currently lives with another dog (Bichon).  We asked if Winnie prefers men or women, and her owners wrote, "She takes a while to warm up to strangers, but I don't think she really has a preference."  Winnie is described as shy, and she can become depressed when changes are made.  

Winnie is a very sweet little girl, and is not possessive of toys, treats, or food.  She has never shown any aggression.  We asked for more details about her walking and blindness, and her owners wrote, "She walks kind of sideways on all surfaces to a degree. We are not sure of the blindness. It was picked up when we took her to therapy for her walking, then we back to the vet and she recommended a CT, which we did not get. She is able to get around our house just fine and goes out the doggie door."  Other than that, they tell us she is in good health.

Her owners want us know know what a sweet cuddlebug Winnie is!  "She loves to sit on laps and sleep in beds. She would be well placed with an older man or woman in need of a companion".

Update 8/2/16: We've heard from Winnie's owners, and she's doing much better, but they also have a young toddler who doesn't understand that Winnie can't see.  

Please read their update on Winnie below!

“Winnie is doing much better. Her legs seem to be 80% better. She still can't see. However, she tries to play, and has some of her spunk back. She does go #2 in the house when shes frightened or nervous but its getting better. We have a doggie door with steps and she is able to find her way out and in fairly easily. She likes to sleep most of the day and relax on the couch or bed, or preferably on someones lap.  She doesn't like to go on walks or drive in the car.”