Many dogs that end up in shelters or foster homes have not had a good life before, let alone a loving environment.
It is not always clear how old the rescued or collected dogs are. Animal welfare organisations repeatedly have to pay for expensive medical care, as many dogs are not even given the most important vaccinations or examinations.
These dogs do not even have their own bed or toys. It’s no wonder that they can be terrified at first and then burst into dances of joy when they realise what good is being done for them!
Abused blind dog rescued from a life on a chain
The Lancaster County SPCA saved the life of a dog named Stevie. The terrier and basset hound mix was not only unloved and unvaccinated, but also blind and abused, simply kept outside on a chain.
Animal welfare organisations and vets caring for him estimated him to be seven or eight years old. He had obviously been beaten and was also blind. Worms and fleas also contributed to his poor overall condition.
Cautious approach to the foster family
It soon became clear that Stevie needed a foster family to help him get used to loving interaction from and with people and to recover from a lifetime of hardship.
Erin Boyd was chosen as his new foster mum as she already had experience with neglected and abused dogs.
She says that Stevie initially refused to leave his transport box and growled and barked when he arrived in his new and unfamiliar surroundings. He sat fearfully and suspiciously in his box and could only be persuaded to leave it after a long time and a lot of loving coaxing.
Erin was aware that he was not aggressive on his own, but that his mistrustful and dismissive behaviour was due to his past life.
Dance of joy in his first bed
Finally, Stevie left his crate to move into his first bed of his own. This knowledge that he now has a warm place of his own helped to thaw the ice between the dog and his foster family.
Despite his blindness, he is finding his way around Erin’s house wonderfully. He has learnt to rely on his sense of smell and hearing to find his way.
Today he is happy in his own bed and with his various squeaky toys.
Erin is now hoping to find a loving family who will want to adopt Stevie and give him the affection he deserves and has learnt to give back, thanks to the care and compassion of Erin and her family.
