Cotton

Name: Cotton

Age: 10-11 months

Sex: Female (altered)

Breed: Australian Shepherd

Location: Walker County, GA

Vet Info: Cotton is confirmed spayed.  She received a rabies vaccine on June 20th.  Her owner writes that she's heartworm negative but this has not been confirmed.  Cotton weighs about 50 pounds.

Owner Info: Cotton is a beautiful blind Aussie whose owners saved her from a breeder who was going to put her down, with the intent of finding her a wonderful new home.  They write, "We have a two year old and one on the way. She is amazing with small kids as well. She loves people and belly rubs. We have 4 other dogs and livestock and would hate for anything to happen to her if she were to get out on the farm. We love her very much but she needs one on one time, which is hard for us with so many animals, but again we rescued her from being put down. We couldn't let that happen."

Cotton's owners gave us more information about her sight and health:  "Cotton is completely blind, she is considered a lethal double merle. Both of her parents were merles, the breeder tried to get more money for pups if there were more merles, which can cause blindness, deafness, or heart problems. She can fully hear and has no other health issues. She was born without eyes, but you can't really tell unless you’re looking directly at her face, no other deformation, the vet said we could stitch eyes when full grown."  Another dog in the litter was born deaf, and Cotton's owner saved him as well.  They have already found him a new home.  

Cotton is an indoor dog with run of the house, she is housebroken but not leash trained.  She knows the commands, Down, Sit, No, and Load Up.  Cotton is described as outgoing, and is good with people of all ages and other dogs.  Her owners tell us she will bark at new dogs, but not dogs she's familiar with.  She currently lives with, "Four other dogs, she does great with them, she's been brought up with them, however when meeting a new dog or pet she will bark a lot, almost like she's worried they will hurt her, but not aggressively. She's never been attacked at our house."

Cotton is not possessive of toys, treats, or food, and has never bitten or snapped.  Her owners described how she does in new situations:  "Yes, she does her best to maneuver through new obstacles, but if she feels lost or in trouble she will circle until someone (another dog/person) comes to help."

Cotton is a very sweet little girl!