I gave my name to group that helps older dogs find new homes: Old Dog Haven and when a call went out to them regarding a rottweiler in Skagit County that needed a home the Vet's office who has been kind enough to rescue him contacted me. So Tom (my husband) and I loaded up our two dogs (a 12 yo male rottweiler - Picard and a 8 yo female rottweiler - Sieann) in our big pick up, braved the snow and headed down from Bellingham to drive to Burlington to meet River.
I am starting this blog in the hope when we do find River his new home his new owner will keep it up and all those who's hearts River has already touched will be able to see him in his new home.
River's story: He was found as a stray "up river" in Skagit county living under someones porch. He must have been someones pet at one time as he is very well trained and so friendly. As he is blind and had really bad ear infections and a weak hind end (? hip dysplasia) and they thought he was really old the sheriff brought him to the vet to be Euthanized. After spending some time with him the vet staff quickly realized this is a dog worth saving...and after meeting River I have to agree. Yes he is blind but he must have been that way since a puppy as he is quite mobile and probably can see some light and dark, in fact the blindness actually makes him very easy to walk and handle as he wants to stay close to the person who is walking him and doesn't pull very hard on his leash. As for his hips although they are bad he can still get around and play just won't be a dog to take jogging.
River would be an ideal dog for someone that wants a quiet companion. He won't require much exercise and really is content to sleep most of the day and loves his food. He got along great with both my older male and younger female and actually tried to play which was so cute as he had to find them by smell. Not sure about cats, but honestly unless it was a really dumb cat most cats would be able to easily "hide" from River. He doesn't go potty in his crate so with a little training and a watchful first couple of months he will be easy to housetrain. As for getting him used to a new place just keeping a leash on him for a few days and keeping him attached to you would get would be sufficient to get him used to his surroundings (this is a good idea to do with any newly adopted dog)
Before being adopted he will be neutered, ears and teeth cleaned and fully vaccinated.
Within 5 minutes of meeting me River snuggled up to me and put his head in my lap, he proceeded to rub his head on me and give gentle kisses as I learned is sad story.
River uses his ears a lot to figure out his surroundings and looks quite charming when he does.
River loves to give Kisses and Snuggle.
He may be blind and have bad hips but River still loves to play...still intact he could care less that my dog is a male and plays happily with him. (he will be neutered prior to being placed).
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