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My name is Mike!

Posted over 9 years ago

My basic info

Breed
Poodle (Standard)
Color
Black
Age
Young
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained
Checkmark in teal circle Has special needs

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Name: Mike

Breed: Standard Poodle

Location: Tennessee

Age: Young

Coat Length: Short

Gender: Male

Size when grown: Large

Level of blindness: Central blindness

Cause of eye issues: Birth defect

General health: Central blindness, cerebellar hypoplasia/gait dysfunction

Good with dogs: Yes

Good with kids: Other (food aggression and balance issues make him a poor candidate for people with smaller kids)

Good with cats: Other (Not tested)

Information

Mike is a beautiful standard poodle who is centrally blind and has some minor balance issues due to cerebellar hypoplasia. Many dogs have tremors and serious balance issues from this but Mike's are very minor and can be seen when he is very tired or when he tries to maneuver too quickly or on slippery surfaces. He plays, runs and interacts just like any normal dog and you would never know he had it just by being with him! He does have some gait issues but they are very minor and do not limit his ability to get around- they in fact make him maneuver in the most ADORABLE way ever! His long legs are so lanky and he crosses them when he stands and prances like a pony when he walks- he also hops and pounces when he plays! Its an absolute delight to watch! He does need some gentle help on our hardwood floors, but then again so do our dogs who DON'T have hypoplasia! :-) Mike is very, very sweet and extremely smart...he is even teaching himself how to listen to the bells on my dogs' collars and trying to figure out how to use the doggy door - he knows those silly weimaraners go SOMEWHERE through that door -
he just has to figure out where to stick his head! I think that's pretty brave for a blind pup since he knows that when he bumps into something he should stop and go the other way- he is able to realize this is different and keep trying!

Mike LOVES to go outside and play with my other dogs- he will romp for hours and hours and give me that "look" like OHHHHH foster mommy, I am a year old now I don't need a puppy nap...can't we just play for one more hour???? My dogs love him and I marvel at how adaptable he is. His original family (who loved him very much) stated they could not potty train him and could not take him on walks...after having him for only one day he was walking three miles with my pack and after only three days he is able to do complete recall to me just from hearing me call his name. He has also never had a single accident in my house. He is very confident and very happy- he LOVES to experience new things and if he has been frightened by something once and you have shown him it's all ok, he is barreling through to the next challenge and never looks back at that again!

Mike's original family chose to give him to us because he does have some pretty bad table manners! We are not sure if it is related to his cerebellar hypoplasia but he is VERY intense during his feeding time and it really made his mom and dad quite nervous. We have found that it is quite manageable and he is just fine if we set up a separate area for Mike to eat at. We call it the poodle noodle bistro - and allow him quiet time to himself to just eat and relax. He is very aggressive AT his food - but never aggressive to his humans or other dogs ABOUT his food. In fact, I am training him with treats for his recall and basic obedience and he takes them from me so gently and sweetly- even when my other two dogs are there getting treats Mike waits his turn and shows no aggression towards me or them - it is just the bowl of food at feeding time that he barks at and "kills" while he eats it. I am not afraid to stick my hand in front of him and take the bowl from him - but I do so remembering that he can not see me and may strike at my hand by MISTAKE- I have taken the bowl several times and so far have never ever been at all challenged by him. It is quite a unique part of his personality! I would describe him as a true food lover! :-)

If you are looking for a wonderful, curious, adaptable, sweet and incredibly smart and loving dog then Mike is the baby for you! He is truly wonderful and will make an incredible addition to any family- he would love to be with a pack or another dog who can show him around- but he is quite confident and alpha so he does not seem to have to have this. Because of his minor balance issues smaller children might be a problem. He would ask that you treat train them as well to be gentle and not knock him over :-) He is a little mouthy right now (he is at that age) but we are working on it and he understands the no bite command and seems to already be doing it less and less each day- he is highly trainable! In fact he is telling me right now it is time to go open the bistro and make him some dinner! :-) I encourage you to consider taking Mike into your home- he is truly a wonderful companion and a beautiful dog! Hurry- he won't last long- he is just too sweet!

If you are interested in adopting Mike, 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 Mike's care, please send to:

BDRA
PO Box 63401
Philadelphia, PA 19114

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