Stevie the collie may be blind but that does not stop him living a full live
All the latest news from Animals in Need, including update on Stevie the collie, and cats looking for their forever homes
Stevie the collie may be blind, but that does not stop him living a full life and enjoying the Irish summer.
Recently rescued from the Letterkenny Dog Shelter by Animals In Need (AIN), Stevie loves going to the beach, but his absolute favourite pastime is just being with his wonderful fosterer, who he hit it off with immediately.
Stevie’s fosterer makes sure this delightful young collie feels safe and well cared for at all times.
Stevie’s blindness was probably caused by Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), a congenital, inherited eye disease which is predominantly found in herding breeds, such as collies. It can be a mild disease or lead to total blindness.
There is no treatment for CEA, but with the right environment and person, there is no reason why a dog with CEA cannot go on to live a full, active and happy long life. Stevie’s happiness is tangible, and it is heartwarming to see him enjoying life.
Six more dogs were collected from the Letterkenny Dog Shelter by AIN at the weekend, the majority of the dogs being collies.
Unfortunately, collies are the breed of dog that most often ends up in the Dog Pound or surrendered to animal rescues in Donegal.
Finding homes locally for such an energetic, intelligent breed of dog is challenging as they need an active home where they will have sufficient exercise both physically and mentally, and they are often thought of as working dogs rather than family pets.
However, with the right home, collies make fantastic companions. They are quick to learn, eager to please, loyal and devoted to their owner.
Thankfully, Irish collies are very popular as pets in the UK, and many of AIN’s rescued collies are living wonderful lives in their new homes across the sea, where ‘failed’ sheepdogs now excel in agility classes and have even appeared at Crufts.
AIN’s cat rescuers have also had a busy week.
Kitten Bow was also very sick during the week, but hopefully is now on the mend. Bow had cat flu a fortnight ago and seemed to be recovering, but then he stopped eating solid food.
His fosterer bottle-fed him with special kitten formula milk instead, which he managed to drink, and he has started to eat solid food again.
Kittens are generally the first to be rehomed, whilst adult cats are often overlooked by potential adopters. A beautiful cat called Java has been in an AIN foster home for several months.
Java was suffering from skin issues when she was rescued and it took a while to pinpoint what was causing her problem. Thankfully, she is in good health now and there is very good news for this lovely cat, as she has been booked and is going to live in her home this week.
Adult cats Leia and Ziggy have also been booked for adoption.
The kittens are over two weeks of age and have opened their eyes.
Vic was caught during a Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) campaign at a colony of feral cats, but when she was found to be heavily pregnant, she was brought to AIN’s cattery to have her kittens in safety.
Vic is not impressed with humans and cannot be handled, but she has settled down in her crate with her kittens and has a truce with her fosterer, who she allows to feed her and monitor the family from a distance.
AIN is urgently seeking a safe release spot for another feral cat.
The cat is a good hunter and would be perfect as a farm cat or for a home in the countryside with a barn or shed.
She has been treated for parasites and spayed. All she requires, in return for managing the rodent population, is a safe place with shelter and daily food and clean water. If you could offer her a new outdoor home, please contact the cat helpline for further information.
For further information on adoption, fostering, volunteering etc., please contact the main helpline on 087 1356188. For cat/kitten enquiries please call 087 7644420. Animals In Need Donegal is also on Facebook and has a website at http://www.animalsinneeddonegal.com.