I really am a great guy with lots to offer .... Let's go ahead and discuss the not so great so that we can get to the WONDER-full. Ok, so I can not see, I am a blind dog. I am an older chap and not very fond of other male dogs.... I do love the ladies though....
What a face! | Too cute | Beautiful boy
Now for the good...
Though I can not see with my eyes I can see WONDER-fully with my heart. Because of my awesome sight through my heart I am able to see that I will no longer be abused and from here on out I am loved deeply by those that meet me. You know that old saying, " With age comes knowledge and patience"? Well, that is a major bonus with me! Yes, so I am an older guy, though still full of life... I have seen it all and I know how to appreciate a soft, loving touch and a warm bed. Due to this knowledge I promise to love you unconditionally for the rest of my life. What more could you ask for in a dog? Will you open your heart and home for me???
I sure am as easy to please as can be. I don't ask for much. I can't run too fast or climb fences and need guidance when I go on walks. I do LOVE to jog though!!! I do well in a crate and am housebroken. I am fostered in a home with 3 girl dogs and couldn't be any happier. I am known as a "ladies man"....
Story: Wonder was rescued off of I-70 during morning rush hour by a former MPR volunteer. He was completely blind in both eyes. Since then we have removed one of the dead eye that was causing him problems. Even though he cant see with the other one either, it is fine as it is.
Foster Situation: Homer is fostered with 3 female dogs of various sizes, ranging from 9 lbs to 60 lbs and a 16 lbs cat. He does wonderful with everyone. The cat has made it a point to make his presence known to Homer and Homer doesn't really pay any attention to him at all. Homer does everything in his crate, that is where he eats, sleeps and drinks his water. He knows (almost) exactly where his crate is and where everything is inside of it. We do this for him so that he always knows where his stuff is because everything else in the house gets moved a lot.
Training: Homer is being taught how to be blind and independent... He is learning to use his nose to smell things before hitting them, and we are teaching him that "step" means that there is a change in elevation and to pay attention. We are also teaching him that "careful" means that he is about to run into something that could make him fall or hurt him, i.e. space heaters and ice. We have also taught him that every time he "finds" you to sit down, we also say his name or make a click sound with our mouths before touching him so he isn't startled. He is learning that by listening to someone's feet or the dogs feet exactly how far he can go in a room or in the yard without hitting things; he tends to not hit as many objects when he does this.
We try to let him outside with at least one of the girls as he seems to be more confident when he has another dog out with him. I think it is because he can hear their foot steps so it helps him to judge where things are at so he doesn't run into things. He is a very sensitive chap and a little goes a LONG way with this guy. He had to learn when he came to us that just because he gets in trouble doesn't mean a beating follows. He doesn't chew on anything, he is pretty much potty trained and loves space heaters ... and he also likes to wear shirts and sweaters.
Wonder loves going on walks
Personality: Homer is cautious and slow moving till he gets to know the layout. As he gets to know his way around it he starts moving faster and it is easy to see that he is confident. He still has his moments when he needs someone to lead him but he has learned to trust. Homer actually loves to go on walks and even "jog".
Wonder is VERY cuddly. Really, cuddling is his top priority! If you walk away from him he will try his best to follow you and as soon as he gets to you he sits down to be loved on. That's all he really wants to do is take in as much love as you are willing to dish. He is also good around strangers that come into the house.
"I love car rides!" | Kiss please! | All right! Lets go!
Best Attribute: The best thing about this guy is that it is easy to see that he appreciates the second chance that he has been given. He is so gentle and loving that he just makes you melt, he is easy to love. APPLY NOW!
November 21, 2007 UPDATE:
It's been almost a year now and Homer is still with us... It seems as if his blindness is overshadowing his charm.
Homer moves freely throughout the house going up and down the basement stairs when he chooses, as well as going up and down the deck stairs outside... all by himself! Homer is only as disabled as people want him to be. Granted, he is not going to play fetch with you because he can't see where the ball is but he loves to do many other things. These things include but are not limited to running, jogging, walking, car rides, lounging, cuddling, listening, etc. He truly is a great addition to anyone's home.
He is by no means a problem dog... He doesn't potty in the house, doesn't chase the birds away from sight, doesn't jump the fence and doesn't bark at people walking by the yard. He is ALWAYS in the mood to meet new people and does good with children of various sizes.
Consider meeting this guy, his pictures do him no justice!
Jennifer (L) |
