Name: Stella
Sex: Female
Breed: Australian Shepherd/Catahoula Leopard Dog
Age: 4mths ( approx. birth date: 10/05/2011)
Level of blindness: Partially Blind.
Cause of eye issues: Genetic. Stella's
pupils are not centered in her irises, and point downwards. She can
see, but has problems with depth perception and has problems in bright
lights. There are no expected long term issues. Stella is otherwise a
healthy puppy.
Health issues: None other then vision issues.
Weight: 11lbs (and growing)
Good with dogs: Yes
Good with cats: Yes, will chase them but will not hurt them.
Good with kids: Unknown at the moment.
Currently being fostered in: Delaware
*BDRA will transport the dog a reasonable distance, to an approved adopter, at no extra cost, even if out of state.
Information:
February 3, 2012: What a gem little Stella is. After less than a week with us, she has surpassed my expectations on a dog with limited eye sight. She quickly learned to navigate my house, and more importantly, showed my 80 lb labs that size really does not matter! She immediately play bowed with them to make friends, and while it took a few days for the labs to realize that Stella doesn't need to be molly-coddled, they have a blast together. They take toys from each other's mouths, play bitey face, and literally roll all over the floor together. At first I was worried that the big dogs would smash Stella and I would make them stop, but Stella kept wanting to play play play! My cats are used to dogs, but I would guess that Stella has never seen cats in a home environment. Stella wants to play with them and she'll chase them but has no clue what to do when she gets to them, other than nibble at their ears and necks. As the days go by, I see Stella getting less impressed by the cats. Potty training is progressing quite nicely, and it helps that Stella just loves to please us by doing good. When I praise her for doing good, or even for just giving her snuggles, her little head lifts high in the air and she just beams with happiness. More to come, but little Stella is aka Stella Bella the Ball!
Update: 2/4/2012
Lipton
is now 1 year old and weighs 31 lbs. He is doing great and his motor
skills are improving daily. Lipton loves to run, stretch and play ball
with the dogs in his foster home. Lipton still seems to be hopping when
he runs but he is getting faster at it.
He
is still stiff at times and seems to hyper extend his front legs and
walks like a foreign soldier and hops when he runs. As you can see in
his videos this does not slow Lipton down from playing.
Lipton enjoys all toys and especially loves to chew on Nyla Bones.
Lipton
is still very curious of the cats but does not seem to want to harm
them he just plays rough which some cats may not enjoy. I do not let him
unattended where he is in contact with the cats.
Lipton
is a total lovebug and is housetrained but sometimes it takes Lipton a
little longer than most to go to the bathroom. Lipton very seldom will
use the bathroom on leash and he goes for walks daily.
He
understands the sign for sit ,come and no/stop. He loves treats
,mealtime and playtime outside. Lipton loves to go outside and walk
around the yard investigating. He walks well on a leash and is very good
traveler.
Lipton
sleeps in a crate in the bedroom at night and is in an expen during any
daytime hours his foster family is away from home and where he can see
the other dogs in the home.
He loves other dogs in his home and is very friendly with them.
He
does not like strange dogs to run up to him as he will give a little
silent snap.Not sure if it is he is beng protective of me or because he
is Deaf and Blind in one eye and he feels threatened.
A cat free home may be best for Lipton or a home with a tolerant cat.
A
fenced in yard is preferred for Lipton as he does enjoy to be able to
stretch his body out, it is also improving his motor skills as it is
also for Lipton's safety.
Lipton does not have any recall and can not be off leash outdoors.
If you would like to donate to Stella's care, please send to:
BDRA
PO Box 63401
Philadelphia, PA 19114
Or donate via PayPal (below):
