Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Gibbs — a truly special boy with a heart as big as his courage.
Gibbs came back into rescue as a return and was placed into his current foster home, where it quickly became clear that something wasn’t right. He was navigating the world by circling carefully and stopping just short of walls or obstacles. A veterinary exam confirmed what no one had previously realized: Gibbs was nearly blind and suffering from severe, painful eye conditions. Both eyes were severely ulcerated with minimal vision and dangerously high pressure, and the kindest option for his comfort and quality of life was bilateral enucleation (removal of both eyes).
Since his surgery, Gibbs has absolutely blossomed. With his sutures now removed, his personality is shining brighter than ever. He is the sweetest guy, soaking up affection and leaning into pets with pure joy — so much so that his entire body wiggles when he gets excited. He loves being near his people, enjoys long, cozy naps (complete with snoring!), and has shown just how trusting and gentle he truly is.
Gibbs is now fully blind but is learning to navigate his world with confidence. His foster mom will continue working on safely integrating him into the home and helping him establish consistent routines. A halo collar is being explored to assist him as he adjusts. Because of his needs, Gibbs would do best with an adopter who has experience with blind dogs or is committed to learning how to support one.
Gibbs is amazing with other dogs and has met many dogs of all sizes in his foster home. While he isn’t particularly interested in active play, he cohabitates beautifully with other dogs and enjoys their presence. He has not yet been exposed to cats, but given his gentle nature and blindness, a thoughtful and slow introduction would likely be very manageable.
He would thrive in a home with a physical fenced yard, as he is not yet comfortable going potty on leash. Potty training was paused while he recovered from this intensive surgery and will need to be gently resumed with patience and consistency.
Gibbs does have a grade 2–3 heart murmur, which is very common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. At this time, his murmur does not require medication and does not limit his daily activities. He has done well under anesthesia and sedation for multiple procedures, including his neuter and bilateral eye removal, with no complications. His heart will simply need routine monitoring by a veterinarian as part of normal lifelong care, which is typical for the breed.
If we had to describe Gibbs in just a few words, they would be: friendly, affectionate, and quietly courageous. He has been through more than most dogs ever should, yet he continues to greet the world with trust and love. Gibbs is ready for a calm, understanding home where he can feel safe, supported, and deeply loved.
Gibbs is fostered in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. His adoption fee is $300.00.
To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt
All of our animals come spayed or neutered, up to date on age appropriate vaccinations, are microchipped, heartworm negative, current on flea/tick and heartworm prevention, dewormed, and treated for any ailments found upon veterinary examination. The adoption fee covers a portion of these services, and makes it possible for us to continue rescuing animals.
For more information on the adoption fees and the adoption process, please complete our adoption application here: https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt - an application allows us to get to know your family better so we can assess whether the animal you are interested in is a good match for your home. An application does not obligate you to adopt. Please understand that due to the volume of applications some animals receive, we are unable to contact all applicants. If your application is considered a good fit for the animal you are interested in, or even a different pet, a volunteer will give you a call as soon as possible.
We are a foster based rescue and do not have a shelter location where animals can be seen during the week. Please see our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LouiesLegacy for our weekly adoption album if you are interested in meeting an animal in person. Not all animals attend every adoption event, please check our Facebook page for animal event times and locations before you make a trip to meet a specific animal.
