RESCUE TAIL / Blind Boy Jack

by Tammy Fox, Executive Director, Florida Keys SPCA

 

All the qualities that make dogs highly adoptable were missing from Jack’s profile. He was NOT young, he was NOT small, and he was NOT healthy. He was nine years old, a hound mix, and going blind!  No an easy sell to someone looking to find a new family member.

Jack came to us after he was found living in a car with his owner, not at all suitable or humane for a dog in his condition. But no matter what life a dog has before coming to us, shelter life represents a change, stressful for any dog. But Jack adapted amazingly well and at times, it was hard to remember both his age and his handicap. He still had enough vision to navigate without a problem and enjoyed walks and yard time. A visit to the eye specialist revealed that he could see much better in bright light which explained why he did better outside than inside his darker kennel. While his condition could not be reversed, eye vitamins could potentially help. Buried in a hot dog or other tasty treat, Jack took his vitamins every day.

We contacted rescues that specialize in rehoming blind dogs. Although they were not able to take him, they shared his information on their website. But no one pounded on our doors to take Jack. A few kind people showed interest but their living situation was not suitable for Jack. They either lived on a boat, or in a house with lots of steps which Jack did not handle easily. So he stayed with us at our old Key West shelter and moved with us to the new one.  His friendship with staff and volunteers remained strong and steadfast, month after month after month. 

Almost a year to the date, Steve heard about Jack, now aged ten.  He wasn’t sure he wanted another dog after his last dog Abby passed, but he came to our shelter anyway to meet him. It didn’t take much together-time for Steve to realize that he could give Jack the home he had been waiting for. Ironically, Steve was friends with one of Jack’s favorite volunteers at the shelter and would still be able to visit Jack after he went home!

After adopting, Steve emailed us with this update:

“Jack was quickly able to navigate my entire house. He was able to enter all the rooms without trouble. A few head bumps here and there, but nothing serious. He decided against a dog bed, and chose instead the living room couch. In another room, where we watch TV, Jack jumps up on the couch and lays his head in my lap. He is getting along great with Jen’s dog Thor; they seem to really like each other. I am so grateful. I was never going to get another dog, and suddenly I fell in love with this beautiful boy. Thank you all for keeping his beautiful spirit intact; I am one very lucky man.”

Adopting a shelter dog is rewarding.  Adopting a “special needs” shelter dog  is heroic! We are so grateful to Steve and others like him who open their hearts and homes to those who may not be perfect as others, yet are every bit as deserving of love, care, and a brighter future. 

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