Madison, WI - Australian Shepherd. Meet Floyd a Pet for Adoption

My basic info

Breed

Australian Shepherd

Color

Brown/Chocolate - with White

Age

Senior

Size

Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)

Weight

–

Sex

Male

Pet ID

–

My details

Good with kids

Good with dogs

Good with cats

Shots current

Spayed / Neutered

Housetrained

Has special needs

My story

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

Name: Floyd

Breed: Australian Shepherd Mix

Sex: Male

Age: approx. 13yrs

Level of blindness: Mostly blind in both eyes, some 'halo' vision. In good lighting, he can see larger objects and shadows.

Cause of eye issues: Cataracts

Health issues: Other than being blind, Floyd seems to have some general itchiness, for which we are taking him to the vet soon. It appears to be a minor skin allergy similar to what some of our other dogs have had, and will probably go away completely with some allergy meds (which are very inexpensive). Otherwise, he appears to be very healthy, with clear bloodwork, and is on heartworm and flea/tick preventative.

Weight: 55 pounds

Good with dogs: Yes

Good with cats: unknown, but imagine he would be fine, he seems very unfazed by anything.

Good with children: Yes

Currently being fostered in: New Jersey, but we will arrange transport to an approved adopter

Information:

Floyd is a sweet guy who seems to be an Aussie mix of some kind. He has clearly been neglected for a good part of his life, probably tied out on a very short chain or confined to a pen. He came to us with some sores that were similar to bed sores (from inactivity) and had nearly no muscles in his legs, especially his hind legs. When he first arrived, he had trouble even standing up for any period of time, much less walking any distance. His teeth show signs of significant wear, probably from gnawing on a chain, although his gums are healthy and he is able to eat his food with no problems. He has some random bumps on his face and tail which are gradually healing.

Floyd LOVES to be outside and will wander around our backyard for as long as you'll let him. We've taught him to climb up the stairs and onto our deck when he wants to come inside, but he still is unable to get down the stairs without assistance...partially due to a lack of strength, and partially due to fear (I don't think he's ever climbed stairs before). Floyd is also learning, gradually, to get excited when people come home. Where at first he would mainly just lay on the floor, now he stands up to greet us and wags his tail. He's also starting to like hugs and pats on the head, and loves having his ears scratched. Floyd is still learning about leashes. He walks very slowly on a leash, but seems to enjoy walking around the yard freely much more than being on a leash. However, he definitely enjoys going for short walks. His strength is improving gradually and given that he is otherwise quite healthy, we're very optimistic that he'll continue to improve!

Floyd is a 'work in progress'. He's a senior who despite having clearly never been a 'pet', much less a friend or family member, before, is great with everyone and every dog he meets. He's an adorable guy who's face just tugs at you and makes you want to hug him. Floyd needs a home where someone can be patient with his gradual improvement and spend some time teaching him what it means to be a member of a family. We believe he would be happiest in a home with other dogs, as long as they are gentle with him, as he seems to like interacting with every dog he meets.

If you would like to adopt Floyd, please fill out our adoption application at www.BlindDogRescue.org

If you would like to donate to Floyd's care, please send to:
BDRA
PO Box 63401
Philadelphia PA 19114
www.BlindDogRescue.org