Entered: 10/21/2007
Status: Rainbow Bridge
Age: 10
Color: Black/White
Weight:
Gender: Intact Male
Location: Wilmington, DE
Health: UTD, HW-, blind, being treated for an ear infection, slight hearing impairment
Temperament: Good with adults, unknown with children, good with dogs of his own size, unknown with cats
Update 10/30/07: Despite the kindest attention and care from his foster family, each day for Ralphie has been a struggle. Though many blind dogs adapt amazingly well to their disability, Ralphie continued to act unadjusted to his blindness and was disoriented. After combining careful home observation with a thorough assessment by his vet, the feeling was that Ralphie had a serious underlying problem such as a brain tumor, or, that he had perhaps suffered some kind of head trauma since he had been found lying by the side of a road. There was no hope given for improvement.
With his foster family alongside, Ralphie went to the Bridge this evening. He is now at peace.
Original: Ralphie for found sleeping by the side of the road. A good Samaritan took him in and contacted MAESSR.
Ralphie is an older gentleman who is totally blind with cataracts and detached lenses. This means nothing can be done to restore his sight. He is also slightly deaf. Despite these obstacles, Ralphie is one incredibly sweet guy who loves attention. He is very uncertain on slick surfaces and is only comfortable on carpet, grass, and asphalt/concrete, at this time. Steps are a real struggle for him, although he is adjusting to the two steps necessary to get from the yard into his foster family’s house. Ralphie gets along fine with his canine foster brothers and loves ear rubs and gentle pats.
Ralphie is a sweet boy who is confused with the recent changes in his life. We’ll learn more about him as he settles into his foster home.