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My basic info
Breed
Siberian Husky/Collie
Color
Black - with White
Age
Young
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with dogs
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 : River
Breed: husky/collie mix
Sex: Male
Age: approx 3 years
Level of blindness: nearly completely blind, may see some shadows, will trip going down steps and bump into walls, objects. The vet feels he has very little to any vision. He does seem to track people well though, may be very good with his hearing or smell.
Cause of eye issues: The vet believes that he has severe congenital cataracts, and some issue with his retina, she could not really see the retinas at all.
Health issues: He may have hip dysplasia, seems to have an issue with his left hind leg and possibly his right as well. He limps, drags the hind foot if walked more than a few blocks, and it seems to rotate inward. He also has more trouble on tile flooring than usual, the left hind leg slips out from under him. He will be going to the vet for further evaluation of this condition.
Weight: He is currently 54 pounds, he could gain about another 5 or 10 and be healthy.
Good with dogs: He seems to be good with dogs. Had tested well at the shelter. He did well with the foster home's senior Great Dane, was only with her for a couple of days. He will be meeting another dog in the foster's extended family this weekend, will update this soon.
Good with cats: unknown at this time
Good with children: unknown at this time
Currently being fostered in: Pennsylvania, but we will arrange transport to an approved adopter
Information:
River was left at a shelter by a family that claimed to have found him as a stray. He is clean, and appears to be housebroken. He enjoys his walks, but does have trouble right now with more than a short walk. He is a picky eater, and seems to eat better later at night. He is quiet, has not barked yet. He does not get sick riding in the car, but does best if he is restrained or he will try to help you drive! He respects baby gates, and has done well in a crate for short periods. He is working on basic sit and down. He will stumble down stairs, but has learned to go up and down stairs readily on his own. He does like to be in the room with people, and will follow you when you leave the room. He was good with the other dog in the foster home, was only with her for a couple of days, he will meet a much younger and smaller dog this coming weekend. He ignores the bird in the foster home, and has not yet been exposed to cats. He does have tons of hair, and sheds a good deal and will need to be brushed a few times a week, he does well with being brushed. Updates on his health condition to follow.
Update 8/16/10:
River is a sweet teddy bear of a boy! He is one very calm, gentle man. We believe he is about 3 years old. He does have some hip dysplasia, but it does not seem to affect him much except for not being able to go on long walks. He loves to go for walks and will go right to the front door and sit for his leash to be attached. He can only go for about 10 to 15 minutes and then needs a break, and that seems to work just fine for him! He does pull a bit and weaves slightly, and is working on that. He learns the lay out of the house quickly and goes up and down stairs without hesitation. He wants to know where you are, and once he does he will go into the living room to rest calmly on the floor. He rides pretty well in the car, does not get sick and is happy to go, but needs to be tied in place or he will jump the seats to help you drive. He is completely housebroken and is generally trustworthy in the house. He might get into the trash if something smells good and is accessible. He really uses his nose and you will see him lift his head and scent the air. He is very quick to determine what just went by or if something changed by scenting. He is no slouch at listening either! He has quickly learned that a plastic wrapper often means people food! He gets none of that, but has gotten better..less picky..at eating a dry food we found he likes. He does not jump up on furniture or the table. When we take him to outdoor festivals, he attracts interest because he is so pretty. He is very good at meeting people of all ages. He has been pretty good meeting strange dogs, but does like the ladies best! He may be ok with a calm cat in the house, he is unconcerned with the bird in his foster home. He does shed, and enjoys the brushing of his coat. This is one of the calmest foster dogs I have ever had or seen, and will fit well into a furever home...might you be that home?
If you would like to adopt River, please fill out our adoption application at www.BlindDogRescue.org
If you would like to donate to River's care, please send to:
BDRA
PO Box 63401
Philadelphia PA 19114
www.BlindDogRscue.org
