More pix of Spirit (yes pix heavy)

[Sophie and Lili's Mom]

Well... this boy is SOOOO scared of things. He has really warmed up to me but still hides and really hides when Michael is home. All in good time...

After some discussion about genetics and such with some respected breeders, I fear that the reason for his blindness could be abuse. It would also fit his behavior... I am going to keep him for a while at the very least and not send him off to another foster home. I know another foster home...esp. Yolanda would be just as wonderful as here but I do not want him having to go through the adjustment yet one more time. He needs stability and consistency to learn humans are good...at least some of us. As for keeping him, I do not know yet. :). I am still thinking of myself as his foster mom but I do not want to see him adopted until he is a mentally secure dog.

He has figured out the doggie door and I think that has helped a bit. He has a flight response when he gets scared. He was kept outside most of his life in a pen so is more comfortable outside. Since he knows the doggie door, when he gets scared, he can run outside and feel calmer. He does not attempt to get out of the fence...just to be outside.

Baby steps...

http://www.weareb.org/~penny/Dogs/Spirit/Spirit%20%209.jpg

http://www.weareb.org/~penny/Dogs/Spirit/Spirit%2010.jpg

http://www.weareb.org/~penny/Dogs/Spirit/Spirit%203.jpg

http://www.weareb.org/~penny/Dogs/Spirit/Spirit%207.jpg

[areese]

Oh the poor sweet angel... He's beautiful!
I agree with you keeping him for some time...the blindness also makes adjusting so much harder even if he didn't have the fear issues. He's so lucky to have you taking care of him. I hope he gains confidence and trust quickly.

[quavec]

He looks so sweet! Thanks for taking the time to show him some :hearts:

[K2]

He looks like such a sweetie. :hearts: Thanks for all you're doing for him.

[Chris]

He's so handsome :)

Do you think the blindness was from abuse or more likely caused the abuse? Some "backyard breeders" end up with a puppy that is blind or has some sort of other genetic condition and because they are not saleable they feel, they get abused/or narrowly survive an attempt at destroying them. Sometimes a kind person saves them, but can't truly take care of them in their condition and they end up passing them along, but the memory of the original abuse is still there.

Maybe with your dachsies giving him the good example that you are one that can be trusted, he will warm up some more. He will catch on to how happy they are :) I bet it won't take long.

[catstamm]

He is beautiful... Is he totally blind? I'm a late comer what can you tell me about him, how old is he and where did he come from? He sounds a lot like Carlee my foster.... she is a beautiful Blue and Tan dapple Standard...and very fearful. She was a mill dog and was never socialized which caused her fear.....they have to learn to trust and it takes time . Carlee has been with me for 3 mths and although she is better ...you can see it in her eyes that she isn't comfortable and is unsure of what people want from her. She is such a cuddler and wants to please so badly though. One thing to watch for is if he starts with the low growl...carlee started doing that when she felt more at home and I have to correct her immediatly...we don't need her to develop into a fear biter.
Why do some people think the blindness is from abuse, other than being born that way? Does she/he have scares? I realize it's not a double dapple which are often blind but, still could have been born blind....I tend to lean towards Chris's comment.

[Sophie and Lili's Mom]

He is beautiful... Is he totally blind? I'm a late comer what can you tell me about him, how old is he and where did he come from? He sounds a lot like Carlee my foster.... she is a beautiful Blue and Tan dapple Standard...and very fearful. She was a mill dog and was never socialized which caused her fear.....they have to learn to trust and it takes time . Carlee has been with me for 3 mths and although she is better ...you can see it in her eyes that she isn't comfortable and is unsure of what people want from her. She is such a cuddler and wants to please so badly though. One thing to watch for is if he starts with the low growl...carlee started doing that when she felt more at home and I have to correct her immediatly...we don't need her to develop into a fear biter.


read my ut oh post in the rescue section. It is the beginning of this. Spirit has had some socialization but it is hard to tell how much. I will keep an ear out for the growl but it would surprise me if he were to turn that. You are right though...I do not need a fear biter. There is too much sweetness in him for me to let that happen.

He is 2.5 years. I do not know the true extent of his sight but there seems to be some light/dark/shadow sight. We go to a specialist tomorrow. I will post the results then. She is one of the best in the state and Hoover's eye doctor.

[oceangirls]

OMG, what an absolutely beautiful boy. His eyes don't look at all malformed in the pictures (like the microphthalmia you would see with a DD)... maybe it was abuse, like a head injury (?). I'm guessing they have done (or will do) a full neurological exam to make sure nothing else is wrong.

I'm glad he is comfortable with you; how is he doing with the rest of the dogs?

[Yolanda]

He is a beauty. :hearts: :hearts: I do hope and pray he continues to become the pupper we know he can be.

[Jen]

He is sooo lovely. I agree, he needs stability and routine after all he's been thru. :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for the Dr visit tomorrow!

[catstamm]

Thanks I will look at the post.... I think that is about the same age as Carlee. I was shocked when she started the growl because she is soooo sweet, submissive, shy and loving....but there was nothing sweet, submissive, shy and loving about that deep growl....:shocked: It is more like a warming growl when a stranger comes in (like please leave me alone) :please: Just a thought....please keep us posted.

[Pokeys Mom]

Spirit is absolutley gorgeous! He is in the perfect household and is already showing great progress in your loving care. His story is :sosad: . My heart goes out to the little guy. Give him across the room smoochies for me! :)

[Patt]

Spirit is so handsome! Thanks for posting more pics. :hearts:

[Helen]

What a beautiful pupper he is. I think he has the perfect name...I'm sure his true personality will come shining through while he's in your care. :kiss: :kiss: to the sweetie-pie, if he'll have them.

[Nancy]

He is breath taking!! Best wishes to the little man!

[alfina]

So sad to see such a beautiful up so scared of everything. I hope he learns to trust and see the love you can give him

[lotsadox]

He is beautiful! :hearts: I'm so glad that you will be keeping him for a while. I know will be able to do wonders for his socialization and the stability will do him a world of good. You're an :angel7:

[Anatresia]

He has the most gorgeous coloring! What a beauty!

[feuerman_911]

He is so beautiful.. He is lucky to have you fostering him..
Angela

[Bella's Mom]

What a beautiful boy. Those big eyes...breaks my heart at the thought of someone hurting him.

[Mama S.]

May the person who was so mean to him get a one way very uncomfortable ride to HE**. Sweet hugs and kisses to a gorgeous boy!
Sandi