Holiday gift of permanent adoption sought for 2 blind dogs

By DENISE DICK

denise_dick@vindy.com

STRUTHERS

The blind leading the blind is usually a bad thing, but not when it comes to Sandy and Rusty.

The two blind dogs, yellow lab and shepherd mix brothers, have been living at New Lease on Life rescue for about five months. Their previous owner surrendered them when she could no longer care for them.

Now they’re looking for a new, permanent home, together.

“They have to go together because they’re bonded,” said Maria Guyan, the rescue’s director.

The dogs are nearly 2 and weigh about 50 to 60 pounds each. They’re both neutered, microchipped, dewormed and vaccinated and get along with other dogs and cats and love people.

They were born blind.

Both dogs frolic in the shelter’s dog area, chasing toys and scampering for treats. If it weren’t for the cloudiness of their eyes, their blindness wouldn’t be noticeable.

“The dogs run loose in their area [of the shelter], and Rusty and Sandy just go with the flow,” the director said. “Unless you put something unusual in their pathway, you can’t even tell that they’re blind.”

Sandy, whose coloring more identifies with the lab in his lineage, is the more outgoing of the two. Rusty, who appears more shepherdlike, is more timid.

“When you walk in, Sandy runs right up to you,” Guyan said. “Rusty is more hesitant, he’ll wait to check you out first.”

Once the initial meeting is over though, both dogs are all about attention.

“They’re very cuddly,” she said.

Each dog nosed up to visitors, sniffing hands and leaning in for ear scratches.

The dogs can fetch toys, locate treats and play tug-of-war with either human or canine friends, just like any other dogs.

They take daily walks with shelter staff and volunteers. The dogs go together so Rusty feels more comfortable. Guyan recommends that whoever adopts them stick to a regular walking route so the dogs learn where trees and other obstacles are.

Both dogs compensate for their blindness with their other senses, Guyan said.

New Lease On Life usually charges $200 per dog or puppy, but a donor already has sponsored the fee for the brothers. They’ll go for free to the right owner.

Anyone interested should come to meet the dogs at the shelter at 2773 E. Midlothian Blvd., and to fill out an adoption application. Shelter hours are 1 to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but it will be closed Christmas Day.

“We do require a home check for Sandy and Rusty,” Guyan said.

That will enable shelter staff to ensure it’s the right place for the pups.

An adopter with a fenced-in yard would be ideal as the boys can’t be out unsupervised. They’re trained in basic house breaking and some commands.

“It should be a pretty active family,” Guyan said. “They’re young dogs. They love children, and they love to play.”