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My basic info
Breed
Chihuahua
Color
Gray/Blue/Silver/Salt & Pepper
Age
Puppy
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
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: Spike
Sex: Male
Breed: Chihuahua
Age: Puppy
Date of Birth: 11/22/2013
Level of blindness: Blind in one eye, enucleation done 5/6/14, and vision in left eye
Cause of eye issues: Neonatal opthalmia
Health issues: Healthy puppy except for eye issues.
Size: Small
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Weight: 4.9 pounds
Good with dogs: Yes
Good with cats: Yes
Good with kids: Other (Spike loves everyone, but due to his small size, older children are probably best)
Currently being fostered in: Alcoa, Tennessee
*BDRA will transport the dog a reasonable distance, to an approved adopter, at no extra cost, even if out of state.
Information:
Spike, a 6-month-old Chihuahua puppy, came to the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance (BDRA) because his owners — who also had both of Spike’s parents — thought he’d been born completely blind, and they hoped that a rescue just for blind dogs would be better equipped to find the perfect home for Spike.
Once Spike joined the BDRA, we took him to see a veterinarian as well as a veterinary ophthalmologist. Other than Spike’s obvious eye issues, he received a clean bill of health. The veterinarian initially planned to remove both of Spike’s eyes, but wanted a second opinion from the ophthalmologist. After a complete exam, it was determined that Spike had a condition called symblepharon in both eyes. Symblepharon is adhesions of conjunctival tissue covering the eye and cornea, which can reduce vision depending on how much tissue is covering the cornea. The condition was worse in Spike’s right eye, which was also quite enlarged, and the ophthalmologist felt that it would continue to enlarge and needed to be removed. However, despite the adhesions, Spike still has some vision in his left eye, so the ophthalmologist felt that the removal of his left eye at this time was not warranted.
Spike underwent enucleation surgery of his right eye on 5/6/14, and has been healing remarkably well. He is supposed to be on bed/crate rest, but Spike has decided otherwise, and has been enjoying playtime outside in the fresh air and sunshine and trying to play with his foster brothers and sisters :-) Spike is an adorable little fellow who currently weighs a mere 4.9 lbs.... but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for with a big personality! Spike is VERY friendly and outgoing, and his tail is always wagging; he loves playing with his foster brothers and sister, all of whom are much larger! Spike would do well in a home with friendly and easygoing dogs and/or cats to keep him company, or could be an only “child” if given plenty of attention or if he’s able to go to work with his owner.
Spike is crate trained, and doing very well with his housetraining, too. I am always a bit hesitant to say young puppies are housetrained, but Spike really is doing very well with going outside to relieve himself. He walks nicely on a leash, and loves to run and play outside. Spike is a versatile little fella who could live happily in a city apartment or in the country with a large yard. Spike is used to being carried around and hanging out on any available lap, and equally happy taking walks on a leash. Although Spike loves everyone he meets, because of his small size, a home with older children would be best.
If you are interested in adopting Spike, 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 Spike's care, please send to:
