My name is Fletcher:adoption pending!!

Fletcher is being fostered in VA.

This is an updated post on Fletcher as of March 26, 2022:
Handsome Fletcher ended up in a Baltimore shelter in October 2021. Here is what the shelter shared about him:
"He is the sweetest little thing. Despite being surrendered, this fella is in good spirits, enjoying being held and the snacks he's being fed. He's cute as can be, but at the age of 16, there's no reason he should spend more time than necessary at a shelter.
Once in our care, our vets noted he is underweight but has good muscling, has bilateral cataracts and is likely blind, and has a small, cyst type mass on his back. He also has some mild otitis.
We love this adorable guy. He's stolen hearts all around the shelter, and it's safe to say he did so as soon as he walked through our doors. He may need a little TLC, but he's definitely worth it."
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Fletcher is a beautiful ten-pound black poodle who came to his Virginia Blind Dog Rescue foster home in October 2021, and he has settled in very well. He gets along with the dogs in the home and ignores the cats. He loves attention and especially loves to walk around outside. He even seems to enjoy the snow!
Fletcher has spent some time at the vet getting his medical needs addressed. He had the rest of his teeth removed. He had an oronasal fistula closed. He was neutered. He had a benign lump removed from his back. His ears are now clear but he is on maintenance ear meds (Zymox) twice a week to keep them healthy.
It has been determined Fletcher is in kidney failure and has Fanconi Syndrome (abnormal function of a part of the kidneys). Fanconi Syndrome was diagnosed by the University of Pennsylvania.
Here is a little information about Fanconi: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fanconi-syndrome-in-dogs
At this time, Fletcher is doing great and shows no outward signs of any disease. He may do very well for quite some time. Currently, he is on a prescription diet. His bloodwork and urine will continue to need to be monitored at regular intervals (currently the interval is every six months). In the future, he may need additional help to maintain a good quality of life, such as medication.
Anyone interested in adopting Fletcher should first speak with their vet about adopting a dog in kidney failure and Fanconi.
Fletcher is fine on a leash although sometimes wants to decide himself which direction to go. He is housebroken and crate trained. He is in the crate during the nights and when his foster parents are out of the house. He does not bark and is quiet except when it is mealtime; then he will let loose with a high-pitched howl unless he is served first. He has recently learned to walk up and also down the two steps between the deck at his foster home and the yard.
One of the vets who has seen Fletcher said she does not believe he is 16 years old, and thinks he is more like 10-12 years old. Fletcher is not revealing his age, though, so he could be as old as 16 or might be quite a bit younger. Just like with most rescue dogs, age is unknown as is their medical history, and possible medical issues could arise in the future that are not apparent now.
Fletcher went to the groomer soon after he arrived at his foster home and was the perfect gentleman. The groomer said her job would be easy if every dog was as well-behaved as Fletcher when being groomed! And, at his second grooming visit, the groomer commented about his coat and what good shape it is in. He really is so beautiful!
Every once in a while, it seems like Fletcher might hear a sound or might be able to see something but, for the most part, he can't see or hear. He doesn't seem bothered by it though, and is a happy boy. Fletcher is a gentle, very sweet dog with a wonderful personality who has never growled, snapped, or bitten with the exception of several episodes in January that are described in the following paragraph.
In mid-January, there were a few episodes when Fletcher was sleeping deeply and had a strong startle response when woken by his foster parent and, once, by another dog; these may have been what is known as a "Sleep Startle" response. For less than ten seconds, he was disoriented, growling, and snapping, and then he was fine, loving, and gentle again. He has no teeth so inflicted no harm. These episodes occurred over the course of a week in January (about 5 times total) and they did not occur before January and have not occurred since.
Fletcher would not be a good candidate to be adopted into a family with young children because of his very limited hearing and vision and because it is possible he could have another Sleep Startle episode. Currently Fletcher lives with three other dogs and gets along with them very well; anyone considering adopting Fletcher who already has other dogs in their home should speak with their vet about adopting a dog with a short history of possible Sleep Startle response.
Fletcher is such a wonderful dog and his foster parents love him very much. They would be so happy to see him adopted into a forever home with someone who is willing to take very good care of him, monitor his health, and, of course, give him lots of understanding and love. If you think you are that someone, please fill out an application! Please know: in many instances, a transport can be set up to bring Fletcher to you!