Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Needs special attention,
Story
Adoption Fee: $475
When available, all animals are fixed in accordance with Colorado law, up to date on vaccines (may need boosters), and microchipped!
What we know: Transferred from Humane Society of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs. Owner surrendered due to eviction; shelter transferred so she could get further medical assessment on her head-tilt, which owner reported is caused by being bitten on the top of the head at two weeks old. Owner also reports that she circles to the left when kenneled.
*Special Needs* - Gigget/Prancer had a full neurological workup at AESC in Parker. MRI determined a small portion of the back of her brain is not present, leaving a void that is filled with spinal fluid. The missing portion is the area responsible for balance, so her head tilts slightly to one side, she sometimes will cut a corner short and hit her nose on a wall, and/or circle when she's nervous, excited, or wanting to play. Prancer has either very limited or no sight in her right eye (facing her, your left-hand side), also related to the brain defect. It's not fully-known if this was congenital or from the reported bite she sustained at two weeks old, but neurologist is confident it's not progressive. Potty training has proven to be a challenge and could be long-term; her processing and understanding is somewhat compromised.
From the foster: Meet Our Sweet, Special Girl 💛
When she was just two weeks old, she was bitten on the head, leaving her with a permanent head tilt and some neurological differences. Because of this, the shelter she was surrendered to ruled that she wasn't an adoption candidate since she required a more extensive workup than they could provide. Thankfully, Colorado Puppy Rescue stepped in and gave her the second chance she deserved, and that’s how she made her way to me. She has been with me for three weeks now, and I can confidently say she is one of the sweetest, most loving dogs I have ever met. She is timid at first and takes time to warm up, but once she feels safe, she loves with her whole heart. She bonds deeply to her people and just wants to be close.
She does have special needs. She has a gap in her brain in the area that manages balance and coordination. The good news is that it does not appear to be something that will change or progress. Colorado Puppy Rescue used their resources and funds to get the tests and scans needed to ensure this will not worsen or cause additional long-term issues. This difference is stable, it’s simply part of who she is. Her head tilt is permanent, and she cannot see out of her right eye, though she sees well out of her left. Because of this, she processes the world a little differently. Following movement, learning new things, and training can be slower for her.
She is still not fully potty trained, and it’s possible this could be a long-term challenge due to her slower processing. She will absolutely need consistency, patience, grace, and realistic expectations in this area. She also struggles with being alone. After being abandoned and spending a month in a shelter, that’s understandable. She does well sleeping in her kennel at night and can kennel during the day, but she may howl, bark, or cry when left alone and can have occasional accidents.
A home where someone is around often, or willing to patiently build her independence and confidence would be ideal. It’s important to note: her barking is not aggression. When she barks, it’s because she is startled, unsure, or doesn’t understand what’s happening around her. It’s a skittish, confused response, not a reactive or aggressive one. She has not shown aggression toward people or animals. She has not presented any food aggression, not one growl, not one snap. She can seem unsure of men at first and may give a cautious growl simply because she doesn’t know what to think or do. But once she realizes she is safe and they are not a threat, she relaxes and does just fine. She just needs reassurance and a gentle approach.
She does not know her name yet. She came to us as Gigget, but we’ve been calling her Prancer because of the way she prances around. The beautiful part?
• She is WONDERFUL with children. Truly wonderful. Gentle, patient, playful, and loving.
• She has done great around other dogs, doesn’t bark or growl, just smells them, gives them their space, and then tries to figure out how to play with them.
• She does not bark at people or animals when she is with and feels secure with her people.
• She is curious about cats and wants to play, she just doesn’t quite know how yet.
• She LOVES sticks, balls, and playing with toys. She gets so excited and happy when she has something to carry around.
• She loves hard , the kind of love that makes every extra effort completely worth it.
• She may have a gap in her brain, but she will absolutely fill the gap in your heart 💜
She may be a little different, but she is not broken. She simply needs the right home, one filled with time, patience, compassion, and a true understanding of what it means to care for a special-needs dog. In return, you will get the most devoted, gentle, deeply loving companion. She deserves the very best. And in the right home, she will absolutely be the best dog. 💛
www.coloradopuppy.org/how-to-adopt
