SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Helen Woodward Animal Center is hoping to find a loving family for a dog who was turned over without any eyes and injured after being hit by a car.
Louis, a 3-year-old Lab/Shepherd mix, was brought to the Helen Woodward Animal Center from Calexico late in December. The canine's former owners had opted to have Louis' eyes removed due to an eye infection, instead of treating the infection. After the challenge of caring for a blind pet, the owners decided to relinquish Louis.
A partner rescue saved Louis from the pound and brought him to Helen Woodward.
Upon receiving Louis, the center learned that the dog had experienced another traumatic event. He appeared to have been hit by a car sometime in January 2020 and sustained a broken leg, which was never treated.
"It is incredibly important that people who consider getting a pet know the obligations they take on with these animals," stated Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoptions Director Hella Tyler. "When people get their pets for free off of Craiglist, they don’t seem to realize that pets come with responsibilities and a monthly expense for their caretaking, including medical care. In turn, these pets will provide their owners an unparalleled love. They pay it back tenfold. It’s just devastating to see an animal treated the way Louis was treated."
The center hopes to find Louis a loving home when he goes up for adoption on Jan. 13.
Louis is extremely shy and still learning how to live life blind, but center staff says he has an incredibly loving personality and is comforted by the presence of another animal or person. The gentle canine also loves to snuggle and will explore with encouragement and kindness, the center adds.
Staff says Louis will do best in a one-story home and with an owner who works from home. Louis has been treated for his leg injury but is still nursing a limp.
"Louis is extraordinary," stated Tyler. "He really suffered at the hands of his former owners but he shows no malice towards humankind. He is ready to love the perfect family and he certainly deserves one."
Whoever takes Louis home will also get a free training session with the center's trainer Rob Kuty, from San Diego Pet Training, in order to give the new family techniques on how to care for a pet with special needs. The center is also gifting Louis' new owners with a bag of dog food and some treats.
Louis will be available for adoption starting on Wednesday. To fill out an adoption application, potential owners can call 858-756-4117 or go online here.
