The status of Callie was

last posted on 12/26/24 by

Worthy Dog Rescue

Female Dog, Chihuahua

Chihuahua / Terrier / Mixed (Short Coat)

Description:

Meet Callie! This little cutie has been in our care most of her life. She was born with excess fluid or “water on the brain” that caused blindness and was given to a family who was not equipped to care for her. They grew frustrated with her and didn't understand her behaviors or take her to the vet for further diagnosis. Callie was more subdued than most puppies and showed some early neurological signs, like circling, and had significantly limited vision, consistent with a condition called hydrocephalus. We took her to a neurologist and she was started on a medication that helps control symptoms of the condition and it has worked incredibly well. The mild neurological signs have abated and she's had no seizures on the meds and lives a mostly normal life. We can’t change the fact that she’s blind, but otherwise, she is symptom-free. Dogs with mild or moderate cases like Callie can live a healthy, happy full life. Callie has matured to be a self-sufficient, confident, loving pup, and while she can’t see, that’s all she’s ever known so she rolls with it. Callie has adapted quickly to home life. She’s a smart, sweet dog who makes a wonderful companion She’s being fostered by Leah and Chris and has been living with their pack of 3 pups, both large and small. Callie has been good with every pup we’ve introduced her to and finds comfort in her dog business. Our preference is for her to have a dog buddy in her new home, and she'll do best in a calmer neighborhood with each access in and out of the home. She can do small steps in and out of the home and is most comfortable with a yard or consistent potty area to explore. The only time we've seen her be hesitant is outside in loud or busy areas...so she's not an ideal city dog. We checked in with her foster mom, Leah, for a quick update. “Callie is very confident once she gets her bearings straight. She learned the layout of our home pretty quickly. She will explore to learn where everything is - especially the kitchen! The only times I've seen her be hesitant is when she is outdoors in a new spot for the first time - all of the smells and noises can be a little intimidating. As with most blind dogs, her other senses are very strong. She can smell peanut butter in another room! She integrated into our home very quickly. She found the toys - she likes tuggy ones, Nylabones, and the stuffed toys that make the crinkle sounds - but her absolute favorite toys were my slippers. They had little pouf balls on them and she enjoyed ripping the balls off (which was totally okay they were cheapies off Amazon). She may have a foot fetish... hehe. She tries to play with my dogs but mine are Mean Golden Girls so not much luck there..She’s a very playful, fun dog and would have loved a canine playmate in her new home. She’s also very snuggly and likes to cuddle on the couch with you and gives lots of kisses. We taught her to "walk" on a leash outside the home, but she needs treats to make her move along. She loves to explore the backyard which is familiar terrain. She’s really good about peeing outside and now she’s pooping outside too. She learned to go up steps quickly and we have trained to use our 4 front steps into the house and then the doggie steps to the couch. I think she can see some shadows. Honestly, you sometimes forget she's blind because she doesn't act all that impaired. She is a really happy-go-lucky dog with lots of energy and love to give. We need someone special to take this sweet little nugget. She's one smart cookie" Apply today to learn more! BREED ESTIMATE: Chihuahua/Terrier Mix GENDER: Female APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 16 lbs APPROXIMATE AGE: ~ 1.5 year old COAT TYPE: Short coat ADOPTION FEE: $400 OTHER INFO: utd on shots/spayed/microchipped LOCATION: Vienna, VA FOR MORE INFO OR TO ADOPT: Please go to https://adopt.worthydog.org and complete the application. You can also help save dogs like this one by becoming a foster, providing a rescue dog with a temporary home and giving them the love and care they need until they are permanently adopted. Every person who fosters is directly responsible for saving the life of a dog, because we can only save as many dogs as we have foster families available to welcome them into their homes. If you think you might be interested in becoming a foster and want to learn more, please go to https://foster.worthydog.org and fill out an application. Worthy Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue that primarily adopts to families in the DC Metro area.