May Update: We are thrilled to announce that Papi is enjoying his new home. It was a long time coming, but he agrees, it was worth the wait!
January Update: Here is the latest picture of Papi, sitting on the beach and enjoying his new look. He received his sporty pair of Doggles glasses when his foster care provider approached the company to tell them of his sad story. Thankfully, Papi's story ends well - he has made a wonderful recovery and is feeling great. However, there is one final chapter left to be written. Papi still needs an adoptive home. If you feel you can help bring a truly happy ending to this story by adopting Papi, please consider filling out the adoption application. Living with a blind dog is not as difficult as it might sound at first. We are more than happy to help you through the transition while you and Papi get used to the new arrangements. He's a great little companion, so loving and sweet, and we're sure the right person is out there just waiting to be united with him.
Update: We are pleased to report Papi had surgery and is doing great! His latest follow up visit to the veterinarian was a success, and it is very apparent to his foster care provider that Papi is feeling much better without his painful eyes. The glaucoma was causing pain in his head, but now that the constance source of pain has been eliminated, Papi's delightful personality is able to shine through. He has made a wonderful recovery and a fabulous transformation. Papi is ready to start his life with an adoptive family. If you are interested in learning more about living with a blind dog, please check the resources on the following sites:
http://www.blinddogs.com/tips.htm
http://www.eyevet.info/blind.html
http://www.blinddogs.net/
Or email info@aLegUpRescue.org for more information. We are determined to help his adopter/s have the resources necessary to provide Papi with a delightful life.
Previous Update: With your generous support, we have raised the money necessary to fund Papi's surgery. He is scheduled for Thursday, November 28th, and we are all going to be eagerly awaiting the positive results. We will continue to update his friends and supporters as information is available. Please consider sharing his story - there's nothing he'd like more this holiday season than to find his forever home.
His Story: A Leg Up Rescue regularly receives calls about special needs animals at shelters. PAPI IS OUR LATEST CASE. Papi's eyes are causing him pain. He was given up by his family who couldn't afford his costly glaucoma treatments. Sadly, they waited too long to give him to the shelter, so now his eyes are diseased. We tried medication, but the pressure is too great. Papi's head hurts and now his eyes must be removed.
We have a team of expert vets ready to assist, but we need your support. Papi can lead a normal, pain-free life after surgery. You can see from the picture, he is adventurous and wants to do things that other dogs can do - here he is pictured on the beach with his foster care provider. Papi's surgery will cost approximately $600. It's a small price to pay to relieve the pain he is now forced to endure.
Once Papi's surgery is complete, he'll be looking for a loving adoptive family to share the holidays with. Papi won't be able to see the yummy holiday treats on the table, but he will certainly be able to smell them!
Won't you please consider making a donation toward his care, or sharing his story with friends?