Shannon is finally a happy Eskie again. She is settling into her new home in Pittsburgh with Erin Harper, her new owner, and an 11-year old miniature Eskie, Booger Bear, now Shannon's older sister. Health concerns can't prevent Shannon from enjoying a stable, loving home after a very difficult period of her life. Shannon first came to Heart Bandits' attention when we were alerted that the animal shelter in Guilderland, New York, had acquired an eight year old Eskie in need of medical attention.
When
Shannon's original owner was placed in a nursing home by her children, the children
took Shannon to a vet's office with instructions that she be put to sleep. Unwilling
to comply, the vet contacted the Guilderland Shelter. Workers there quickly
realized that while Shannon is almost completely blind, she deserved a chance
for a good home. Released to Heart Bandits, Shannon stayed in two foster homes
where it became immediately apparent that this little dog had plenty of life
left in her. She showed the volunteers who cared for her that she loves car
rides, long walks, and--especially--playing in the water. She terrified her
first foster dad by jumping into his swimming pool. At first he thought she
had fallen in, but she persisted in trying to get into the water. The premature
cataracts that obscure her vision, can't stop her from trying to enjoy life.
Despite the poor condition of her teeth when she arrived in rescue, she demonstrated
her affection for real meat treats, especially marrow bones! While with Heart
Bandits, she had some dental work, removing decayed teeth so that she could
really enjoy her chow. She got along fine with the many other dogs in her first
foster home.
Erin's
vet believed that Shannon is a good candidate for surgery that should improve
her sight. In the meantime, the vet has begun to suspect that Shannon my have
Cushings disease, a treatable but serious condition. Further testing is required.
In spite of these problems, Shannon has found a very good home with Erin, her husband, and Shannon's older sister Booger Bear. For more information on Shannon--including Shannon's own story--visit Shannon's Page on the Eskie Auction Site. With major vet bills on the horizon, Eskie Auction Central has organized a fundraiser--Just Julie's Eskie Sketch Fundraiser for Shannon July-Sept. 2000 !
The Eskie Auction site:
The Blind Dogs Site:
The Blind Dogs site was extremely helpful in our search for a good home for Shannon. This site lists resources for blind dogs as well as blind dogs available for adoption.