Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue

Chance #2

Chance is a handsome 8-9 year old male that came to us from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. He was dumped at the local shelter for unknown reasons. He grabbed the attention of the local Cocker rescue volunteer and she wanted to save him, but they had no foster space, so they called us. He traveled north to Kansas City and was then transported to RMCR.

Chance is a wonderful little guy. His only issue is that he has cataracts, so his sight is limited. He’s not totally blind and is not handicapped by his condition. He’s good with other dogs and doesn’t seem to be bothered by cats. He’s very loveable and craves attention. He loves to go on walks and loves to be by your side.  He’s also quite fond of chew bones!  He’s neutered, up to date on all shots and is micro-chipped.

Chance would do well in a home without young children who might not understand his slight handicap. Besides, he’s at an age where he just wants to enjoy life, not play full time. If you are interested in meeting this wonderful fellow, please complete an online adoption application.

Lucy

Hi, my name is Lucy. I came from an Amish puppy mill in Missouri, but they gave me up because I only had one puppy at a time. From being overbred, I have limited vision, but I can see movement and shadows. I go up and down stairs just fine. Even though I don’t see very well, I love, love, LOVE to go on walks!

I’m pretty shy, but my foster family is teaching me that it’s okay to trust people. I used to hide all the time, but now my favorite spot is laying right next to my foster mommy and daddy. If you give me a chin rub, you will become my new best friend. If you stop too soon though, I’ll wave my paw at you until you pet me a little more.

Like I said before, I love to go on walks. I’m so good on the leash that I don’t pull at all. When my foster parents take me outside I’m doing really well at going potty. I’m still scared to ask to go out, but I will hold it until you give me the chance to go. I’m such a good girl that when no one else is at home, I get to roam the house freely!

I still get scared sometimes, but I get braver and braver everyday. I would really love to have a forever family to love me and encourage me. I’m just waiting to meet my forever best friend!

P.S. The nice people at RMCR say that I look like I might have some Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in me. Everyone tells me what a pretty princess I am!

If you are interested in meeting Lucy, please complete an online adoption application and meet this wonderful little girl!

Update 07/07/10!!  Lucy gets braver and more outgoing every day.  After three days of blackcat firecrackers in the surrounding neighborhood, she could be found sleeping on the backporch, mostly unconcerned.  She now happily trots downstairs for breakfast and to go outside with her foster daddy in the mornings, and has made the connection of the words “go potty” with the action.  She now wanders out about 8 feet on the retractable leash to explore the passing yards on her walk, instead of walking right next to us, jumping at every noise.  It is so fulfilling to see this little beauty come out of her shell, and to romp and run in the backyard with her foster cocker brother, happy tail wagging.  Despite her poor vision, she does not run into things, the rare occasion she does is usually a chain link fence. Lucy has lots going for her, she is curious and loves to be near her people, and will get more secure and outgoing as she becomes more trusting and comfortable with exposure to the wide world.  Things are still scary, but time and encouragement will help her become the vibrant, happy dog we are getting glimpses of!

Information on Blind Dogs

Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue currently has three sight-impaired dogs in our rescue organization.  Most humans turn away when they hear the word “blind”, however these wonderful animals have adjusted extremely well to their disability.  We thought it would be nice to include a link to another resource that supports blind dogs.  Please visit the Owners of Blind Dogs website for more information and perhaps you will consider adopting one of these loving dogs to be your “fur-ever” companion!

Helena

March 2010 – Update on Helena’s vision:  Helena had successful cataract surgery on March 17th and is currently recovering.  She seems to have good vision after the procedure.  Due to her specific vision issues, her corrected vision is similar to mono-vision in humans.  One eye sees distance better and the other sees close-up and the brain learns to compensate.  We have high hopes that she will recover completely and will not have any residual vision issues.

Helena came to us from one of the local shelters.  She is around three years old, spayed, micro-chipped and up to date on all of her vaccinations.

This little girl is perfect in almost every way.  Helena is pure sweetness, happiest near her people, snuggling on the couch, or trailing around the house after you.  She doesn’t care for the crate, and sleeps on her dog bed at night.  She is fine left loose in the house during the day.  She very rarely barks.  She is housetrained (but did have an accident from nervousness upon arrival).  She rides well in the car and loves to go on walks, although she will pull on the lead when excited (we’re working on that!).  She is learning sit and get down.   

We said that Helena was perfect in almost every way.  Her one imperfection is that she has cataracts and cannot see very well.  She can see shadows and larger shapes.  She navigated the house perfectly after about 2 hours, including stairs and doorways.  She benefits from being told “step up/step down” in unfamiliar areas.  Since she can’t see an animal’s posture, she will defend herself before the other animal has a chance to state their intentions upon meeting them.  (She’s mostly noise).  However, she gets along with her foster brother after a few days, getting upset only when he gets rowdy and growly.   She shows NO aggression with people, letting anyone touch her and be close to her face.  She has been fine with older children who do not move around quite so quickly.  Don’t know how she is with cats. 

Helena is very capable, and not so different from a fully sighted dog.  If she went on a hike, she would need ‘doggles’ to protect her eyes from sharp brush.  She should not go to a dog park.     But, otherwise, she is a sweet, smart, capable, loving pet that is just waiting for that special person to come fetch her and take her home.

If you are interested in meeting Helena, please complete on of our online adoption applications.

Helena

Helena came to us from one of the local shelters.  She is around three years old, spayed, micro-chipped and up to date on all of her vaccinations.

This little girl is perfect in almost every way.  She figured out how to use the doggie door and loves to run in the backyard.  She loves people and wants one of those for her very own.  She has this invisible Velcro strip that bonds to tall, two legged beings and lays in heaven on their lap.  No need to even pet her, she just swoons at snuggling down with a deep sigh and is content to just be near you.  She doesn’t care for the crate.  She does well on a loose lead and seems to be house trained. 

We said that Helena was perfect in almost every way.  Her one imperfection is that she has cataracts and cannot see very well.  Not being sighted, she does assume that other cats and dogs are out to harm her and will defend herself before the other animal has a chance to state their intentions.  Therefore, we recommend that she not be adopted into a home with other animals or small children.  Otherwise, she is a smart, loving pet that is just waiting for that special person to come fetch her and take her home.

If you are interested in meeting Helena, please complete on of our online adoption applications.

Beverly

Beverly is a lively and affectionate little black and white Cocker with striking markings. She is a rescued puppy mill mama, and has recently been spayed.   Beverly is fully house-trained and can be left loose alone in the house without incident.

Beverly has shown absolutely no aggression toward people or other animals, even under trying circumstances. She has all her shots, her teeth have been cleaned, and she is almost fully recovered from the ear mite infestation she arrived with.

Because she is blind, Beverly is timid at first, but that doesn’t slow her down for long! She immediately memorized the layout of the house and yard, and now runs around with great confidence. She loves romping with the other dogs, being petted, held in a lap, and exploring the yard.  She’s a loving little darling, looking for her forever home.

Because of her sight limitations, we will not adopt Beverly to a home with toddlers. She won’t be able to dodge them and they won’t be able to remember that she can’t see.

If you are interested in meeting Beverly, please complete one of our online adoption applications.

Bess

Bess is a lively and affectionate little four year old black and white Cocker with striking markings. She is a rescued puppy mill mama, and has been spayed. Bess is fully house-trained and can be left loose alone in the house without incident.

Bess has shown absolutely no aggression toward people or other animals, even under trying circumstances. She has all her shots, and her teeth have been cleaned. Because her sight is limited, we believe as a result of in-breeding, Bess is timid at first, but that doesn’t slow her down for long! She immediately memorized the layout of the house and yard, and now runs around with great confidence. She loves romping with the other dogs, being petted, held in a lap, and exploring the yard. She’s a loving little darling, looking for her forever home.

Because of her sight limitations, we will not adopt Bess to a home with toddlers. She won’t be able to dodge them and they won’t be able to remember that she can’t see.

If you are interested in meeting Bess, please complete one of our online adoption applications.

Blanche

This is Blanche.  She is one of three special girls that came to us from Kansas in early November.  Blanche is approximately a year and a half old and spent those years in a mill producing puppies.  Blanche, along with her sisters, has unique markings and the breeder was attempting to take advantage of these unusual and striking patterns.  Unfortunately, this type of inbreeding often leads to other genetic defects.  You see, Blanche is sight impaired (but please don’t tell her -she doesn’t know she’s different).

Since Blanche arrived in foster care in Colorado, she has blossomed from a scared, withdrawn dog into a happy and confident one and is beginning to enjoy life.  She even seemed to enjoy the recent snowfall, wagging her tail and almost smiling!  She finds her way around using other senses such as scent and feel.  She’s learned quickly where stationary objects are located and remembers to avoid them.  Unfortunately, moving targets, such as people and other animals still present a small issue, but at least the other dogs are tolerant of minor indiscretions.  She has even learned to go to the door to be let out.  She gets along with the other dogs in the foster home and has no interest in cats. 

Blanche has learned to go up and down the stairs to the second floor of her foster home. She senses when the rest have done that and will not be left behind. She is eager to wag her tail when she senses a person in order to get a pat and jumps on them to make sure that the person doesn’t miss her need. She is just a happy, adventurous delight. And no trouble at all.

Blanche  will receive dental care to compensate for the neglect that she endured as a breeder dog.  She will also be spayed and will be up to date on her vaccinations.  She will be a stellar companion for someone who is willing to overlook her sight issue.  All she wants is for someone to love and take care of her.

If you are interested in meeting this special girl, please complete one of our online adoption applications.