Pickle - In Foster Care

Name: Pickle

Age: Estimated 6-10 years

Breed: Pit/Boxer Mix?

Sex: Male (altered)

Location: Wilmington, NC area

Vet Info: Pickle is confirmed neutered and up to date on his rabies vaccine.  He is heartworm negative.  Pickle weighs about 50 pounds.

Owner Info: Pickle is a very handsome boy whose owner believes would do better in a home where someone is home more often.  She writes that she is absent for work for long periods, and she feels that "Pickle's separation anxiety is causing him to be unable to adjust to his blindness".  She tells us "his stress is tremendous and I cannot stand to see him suffer.  I just want to do what is best for him.... Even though, no accidents in the house, no problems-other than that he seems to be terrified. My heart is breaking for him."  She is hoping to find rescue or a new loving home for Pickle. Pickle's owner has had him for about five years.  He had limited vision when she adopted him, but has now gone completely blind  His owner writes that Pickle has been diagnosed with retinal atrophy and it's irreversible.  Other than his blindness and the stress caused by it, she tells us Pickle is a healthy dog (but a little overweight due to inactivity because he walks slowly now).  Pickle is an indoor dog with run of the house, he is housebroken (he also uses a doggie door leading to a fenced yard) and leash trained.  Pickle knows basic commands such as sit, lay, and stop, and he's learning down and step up! Pickle is a friendly fellow!  His owner describes him as outgoing, and says he's good with people of all ages, male and female dogs, and cats!  He lives with a cat now.  Pickle is not possessive of toys, treats, or food.  She did share an incident where Pickle snapped and growled at another dog, but this is the only time this has ever happened.  "Since his blindness, he snapped and growled at a dog who surprised him from behind. He did not bite and when he knows a dog is approaching, he is very friendly." When answering the question about whether your dog adapts well to new situations, Pickle's owner writes, "I think he will but is struggling at this point. He has found his way in and out of the house despite his blindness but at times. I find him trembling and scared to move when I come home from work. The long absence seems to trigger this."  This has been a very difficult decision for Pickle's owner.  She wants us to know, "Pickle has the sweetest disposition and loves all people and animals. This is heartbreaking for me."