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My basic info
Breed
Shih Tzu
Color
White - with Black
Age
Adult
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
Has special needs
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Name: Willis
Sex: Male
Breed: Shih Tzu
Age: 4yrs (approx. DOB: 01/01/09)
Level of blindness: Partial - Willis has a cataract in his left eye that the vet says blocks most of his vision. He has pigmentation in the right eye that also blocks vision. However, no one would know that Willis has any trouble seeing!
Cause of eye issues: Cataract and Pigmentation. Also has dry eye.
Health issues: none
Weight: 9.2 pounds
Good with dogs: Yes
Good with cats: Yes
Good with kids: Unknown at the moment.
Currently being fostered in: VA
*BDRA will transport the dog a reasonable distance, to an approved adopter, at no extra cost, even if out of state.
Information:
01/18/14: Willis lived in southwest Virginia for a couple of years and then, when his owner was unable to care for him any longer, she contacted the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, and Willis moved to a BDRA foster home. When he arrived in his foster home, he was in pretty rough shape. He had fleas and his long hair was very dirty and full of mats so he had to be shaved down by the groomer (in the pictures below, you will see some of him with his longer hair and most with his short hair). His eyes and ears were infected, his toenails were very long, he needed to be neutered, he had worms, and his teeth needed some care. So, in his first two weeks, he went to the groomer and got cleaned up and a short haircut (and his hair will grow back). He went to the vet and was neutered. He had his teeth cleaned and two were extracted. He was put on medication for his ear infection and is on medication for dry eye. He was determined to be heartworm negative. He is up to date on his shots. His bloodwork came out just fine. He weighs a little under ten pounds. So, after just two weeks, Willis is in good shape already!
Willis has a cataract in his left eye that the vet says blocks most of his vision. He has pigmentation in the right eye that also blocks vision. However, no one would know that Willis has any trouble seeing! He gets around just fine.
Willis has settled in very nicely at his foster home. There are five other dogs here, and he gets along well with all of them. There is a cat, too, and Willis doesn’t pay much attention to her. Willis is about 95% housetrained now. He is in a crate when we are at work and during the night, and always keeps his crate clean and dry. Occasionally he will pee in the house when not in the crate but now often will go to the door to let us know. We think he was not really well trained at his prior home, so he is learning, and learning fast!
He sleeps through the night and, during the day, he walks well on a leash, eats well, likes to play with toys, enjoys a little lap time, and appreciates all the attention we can give. But he is also just fine taking a nap or playing on his own; he is not very demanding of attention, but is glad for all he gets.
He spins in a circle (usually just one time, or maybe two) when he is excited. For example, when we arrive home from work, he rushes up to be petted and, on his way, he will turn in a circle. When it is time to eat, he will also give a twirl.
He is good around new people. At the vet’s, he went right up to the staff, with his tail wagging, wanting to be petted.
Willis has not yet been around small children and would probably be fine, but the general rule is there should always be adult supervision when a young child is around any dog.
Willis is about five years old, so has a long life ahead of him!
Willis is now waiting for the right person to come along, to see what a special and sweet boy he is. He would make a great addition to just about any home!
If you are interested in adopting Willis, please fill out our
adoption application.
The Board of Directors has voted to prohibit the use of Invisible/Electronic fences on Blind Dog Rescue Alliance dogs. This policy will be effective immediately.
If you would like to donate to Willis's care, please send to:
