Stevie was rescued from a South Carolina backyard (together with another dog named Wonder), where he had been chained up for the previous eight years. He was brought up by the Lancaster County SPCA, which collaborates with other rescue organizations such as Diamonds in the Ruff in New York. Diamonds in the Ruff felt they had to make Stevie a part of their rescue family as soon as they heard about him.
When Stevie initially arrived to Diamonds in the Ruff, it was evident that he had a lot on his plate. Stevie was not only blind, but he also had fleas, worms, and lost fur. They eventually discovered he had an old corn cob caught in his intestines, which required surgery to remove. In addition to dealing with his medical difficulties, his foster family had to be patient with him as he acclimated to life inside with a loving family.
“He slept most of the way [home], but would start growling and barking every so often in his crate,” Stevie’s foster mom, Erin Boyd, told The Dodo. “We realized he was just trying to protect himself. We carried the box inside when we arrived home, and he refused to come out. We were especially cautious, knowing that he couldn’t see and that we didn’t know him yet.”
Stevie began to come out of his shell as he began to heal physically and mentally, and it wasn’t long before he’d changed into the biggest mush of a dog. His foster family adored seeing him experience so many firsts, including the first time he slept in his own bed.
Stevie’s foster family took sure to give him a comfortable dog bed because they realized he had probably never had one before. He was so pleased when he felt how soft it was with his paws that he instantly began jumping for glee.
Stevie now needs to do his little leaping dance every time he comes across a dog bed. He’s just overjoyed to have something that’s supposed to make him nice and comfortable, and he needs to show it to everyone every time.
“He jumps, will sometimes chew on a toy for a little bit, and then passes out,” Boyd explained.
Stevie has acclimated incredibly well to his foster home despite his blindness, and everyone is amazed at how far he’s gone.
“He’s so smart,” Boyd said. “He quickly figured out how to get around my house.” He can get from the backyard to the garage and up the three stairs to the home. When he walks in, he knows to wait for a reward in the kitchen and to jump on my little circular ottoman to climb onto my bed. He naps a lot, but he also loves to cuddle, go on walks, chew on squeaky toys, and give kisses!”
Stevie is presently available for adoption, and he’s seeking for a local family who realizes and appreciates just how unique he is. He requires a home with no other pets, preferably with someone who is home a lot and can give him all of the care he lost out on during his first eight years.
“[Someone] who will just spend time cuddled up on the couch with him, take him for walks, let him soak up the sun, and give him lots of love,” Boyd added.
Stevie has been through a lot, but now that he has his comfortable dog beds and a lot of humans to love him, he believes everything will be just great.