ADOPION DATE 02-14-2914 BLIND DOG SPECIAL NEEDS – “POTSIE” is not a typical name, and whether this special rescued dog was bestowed this moniker after Anson Williams’ character on the famous sitcom,HAPPY DAYS,” is unclear. What we DO KNOW is that this adorable black Lab who is blind, is guaranteed to have only HAPPY DAYS for the rest of his life given his tragic history. The human television character POTSIE was named such by his mother because of his propensity to mold things out of clay, and we’re sticking to POTSIE the dog’s name because we’re steadfast in our belief that he’s molded his life to all things good and is clearly creating a new future with his rescuers. Despite his vision limitations, POTSIE is a spectacular dog who is full of hope and promise. 2011 is destined to be his year, and after reading his bio, it will become clear just why that’s true. We are as committed to his forever home as we are this special dog, and we believe in the power and possibility of rescue, and know that for as many tragedies that we hear of, there are more success stories to rely on — and all because these dogs deserve nothing less. Besides, POTSIE had his constant companion on television, “RALPH MALPH” — and that’s our job in rescue, to find his canine namesake his forever constant human companion that is as devoted and loyal a friend as these two television stars.

ALL DOGS ARE MICROCHIPED

Born one of 10 puppies, POTSIE was born at a vet clinic in rural Alabama after his mother was rescued from a brutal attack by another dog Thanksgiving weekend three years ago. Potsie and all of his siblings were removed via emergency C-section because the mother dog had been viciously attacked with a knife and slashed on her side. Fortunately, they all survived, and the other puppies, POTSIE’S momma included, were adopted. But when Potsie was neutered shortly after his initial rescue a few years ago, complications from his surgery caused him to lose some of his eye-sight. Opthomalogists at Auburn University report that although POTSIE is officially blind, he can see some shadows. POTSIE’S eyes do not have that clouded look as many blind dogs’ eyes appear. If it weren’t for his “I’M BLIND” bandana that he sports around town, many folks would not know POTSIE is a blind dog, and that’s largely a testament to the trainer/rescuer working with POTSIE currently as she’s been absolutely wonderful socializing him to all manner of normal experiences so his assessment and consequent training needs can be fully and responsibly addressed.

As it is with most things in life, compassion leads the way to all healing, and love is the ingredient that makes the recipe of living worthwhile. One of the vet technicians brought POTSIE to another vet on the coast of Alabama, and it’s where he has been living the last few years. Recently, a devoted and trainer/local rescuer who has worked tirelessly to save, rehab and re-home many dogs, decided she would work with POTSIE and help him find a home all of his own. Sometimes people witness limitations and put too much focus on what is absent instead of directing energy on the many other strengths that exist. This is the reason why a forever home for POTSIE had not been sought until now. POTSIE had been coddled as a blind dog in an awesome vet’s care, and when this trainer saw how much potential POTSIE had and what an amazing dog he already was despite his limitations, she decided to make it her mission to help re-home him.

The coastal community where POTSIE is now residing is comprised of many animal-loving and kind folks. This is true of the amazing vet clinic who have sponsored this dog so generously all these years, accepting him as one of their own charges as they recognized his deservability and need a long time ago and have remained faithful and devoted to him all along. POTSIE has lived in the company of MANY cats and engages in daily activity with them so wonderfully, so his new home can easily have multiple feline friends and we can confidently share that he will welcome that prospect.

POTSIE also amazingly enjoys other dogs, and does amazingly well with them at the local dog park in Fairhope, Alabama. His trainer has been socializing him in every situation imaginable, taking him to local restaurants in the quaint but bustling down-town of Fairhope. She brings POTSIE into public bathrooms and flushes the toilet many times to de-sensitize him to unfamiliar sounds and teach him to trust and have the confidence necessary for a blind dog to successfully be a happy and balanced participant in life. POTSIE can be seen walking down the sidewalk in the safety of his trainer’s company, cars driving by, relying and trusting her leadership and his leash. And she’s been teaching folks how to approach POTSIE in a way that he can tolerate, acclimate and adjust to successfully. When new people enter POTSIE’S space, his trainer clips on his lead (and that’s a signal to him that someone is approaching) and he feels her confidence on the other end of the leash to know he’s safe. Then they bend down, put their hand underneath his chin and allow him to sniff accordingly and make a new acquaintance on his terms. POTSIE gives the signal he’s “met” the newcomer and then they can proceed to make a friendship thereafter! All it takes it understanding, patience and a willingness to engage in life with a knowledge of how POTSIE best perceives new things, people, dogs and experiences.

Application instructions: click the link below to apply for adoption of this dog.

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POTSIE is frequently socialized with other dogs and does exceedingly well. He visits the local rescue league and has the chance to meet many other dogs there and also at the dog park. When he roams away from his trainer, she knows how to read his stiff ears seeking her presence and she calls his name and his anxiety diminishes. Then Potsie goes back to playing and enjoying the presence of other dogs. Understandably he is stand-offish at first, and when he knows he’s safe, he proceeds cautiously and enthusiastically. That bashfulness quickly subsides when POTSIE realizes you care, and then he gives you his WHOLE HEART — and it’s big and beautiful and wonderful. POTSIE just wants a forever home where he can be with his family always and know the security, reliability and devotion that he’s received in his life thus far. Potsie even tolerates a bath quite well and even enjoys the coiffing, especially if you take your time with him. Most everything with POTSIE requires patient and tender understanding, but he’s worth it, and the reward is tremendous.

POTSIE loves his leisurely walks and watching him take in the many smells is a joyous thing to witness, indeed. “If POTSIE is rushed into new situations and experiences he understandably gets anxious, but if you stay focused on him, and he knows you are there, he will trust you implicitly,” according to his trainer. She doesn’t have enough good things to say about this dog, and it’s clear she believes he will make a special family who has the time, desire and willingness to work with POTSIE an awesome addition. Although POTSIE does well with children, especially when introduced properly and respectfully, it’s not recommended that he be in a home with young kids as they move too quickly and they must be mindful of how that could be interpreted by a dog who only sees shadows. Our motto is to set POTSIE up to succeed, and it’s amazing to see how children respond to him, and he responds to them, so a family with children is NOT out of the equation. The family need only be extremely dog savvy and demonstrate a devotion to helping him thrive.

We know POTSIE gets along with cats exceedingly well and enjoys the company of other dogs. He also has an extreme fondness for treats and stuffed animals. One of his other all-time favorite past-times is to ride in the car. His trainer comments that he is an “AWESOME PASSENGER” and is learning to walk so well on a leash, pulling less and responding great to her verbal commands as he gains trust and confidence every session. After all, POTSIE is blind, but not deaf, and he’s shown his strengths and abilities so very clearly. Frankly, there’s not much we think POTSIE can’t do, and we just need to find him the RIGHT HOME with the RIGHT FAMILY/PERSON that will allow him the opportunity to get comfortable in new places, who will love him completely, and slowly introduce him to great experiences and kind people. Basically, we’re looking for POTSIE’S RALPH MALPH. Could that be you?

POTSIE is totally house-trained, does well in a crate and is completely vetted and ready to let 2011 shine all its magnificence on his world. He might not see the BRIGHTNESS and CHEER others FEEL when he’s around, but we’re inspired by the vision of his fabulous forever home, and are committed to helping him get there. THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING HELPING POTSIE WRITE THE LAST CHAPTER OF HIS RESCUE STORY and for wanting to welcome this deserving dog into your hearts and home. It matters! MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO POTSIE TODAY — APPLY NOW!

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