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Ray Charles

Adopted

Description

Male, 4 years, bully X, 56 lbs

Ray Charles is an extremely mellow laid back dog. He does not have an ounce of aggression in his body. He does not need a lot of exercise and is happy to plod along behind us and stop and smell the roses. He came to his current foster after having been attacked by two dogs. He was very afraid and shut down but in his fear his defense was avoidance. Ray Ray is sweet and gentle but he is blind which makes him a bit clumsy, very cautious and often unsure of his surroundings.

Ray Charles came from Texas. He was picked up as a stray so not much is known about his back ground. His foster does not believe he has had much training. He is house-trained in so far as the foster must ensure he goes outside on a regular basis and ensure he has done his business. He must be kenneled at night or when left alone for that reason. He prefers to be in the same room or within sight (hearing/smell) of a family member and will mew if he finds himself alone. He rarely barks at this point in his decompression. He does not know the sit, stay, down command. He will come if we tap on the floor because that usually indicates there is a treat sitting there. His access to the home is limited at the moment unless he is leashed and watched.

He is a smart boy and has learned quickly where things are. His big accomplishment yesterday was navigating the stairs. This new ability has provided a more comfortable sleeping arrangement as his kennel is now in the master bedroom. He still needs guidance on them but each time he uses them he gains confidence. He is hesitant to try new things due to his eye sight so needs careful pushing to accomplish the first time and encouragement until the skill is mastered.

We were able to introduce him to a couple dogs since his attack and he has done wonderfully. He loves other dogs. Ray Ray does not really know how to dog. For that reason we think he will do better in a calm home with another calm laid back dog. He will be good with children once he learns a bit more but his clumsiness and lack of sight could mean a smaller child gets knocked over or has their foot stepped on.

He will need a family who understands the needs of a blind dog. Keeping a house uncluttered and keeping items put away so he doesn’t trip on them or run into them will be important. He would likely do better in a home with a yard. You must keep the poop picked up as he does a fairly major dance before finding the perfect place and he will walk through anything left behind. He does the 3 steps in the foster’s home to go outside very easily and knows when his feet are on the grass or on the sidewalk. We use sounds quite a bit for direction.

Ray Charles has white cataracts on both eyes. We are unsure but he may see shadows. He has an appointment with the specialist on October 29th to assess whether anything can be done to restore at least some of his eyesight. If surgery is indicated BARCs will fund raise to assist with covering the costs.

Adoption costs: $600.00