Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are encouraging people not to overlook disabled dogs after a blind French Bulldog came into their care.
Pirate, a one-eyed blind French Bulldog is about to start an adventurous life after finding a new family at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Before coming into the charity’s care, Pirate had never left his previous home, due to being born blind. The young dog’s previous owner assumed he wouldn’t need walking, unlike his namesake, Pirate never knew what it was like to explore the outside world.
Rebecca Maclver, Rehoming and Welfare Manager at Battersea said: “Dogs heavenly rely on their sense of smell to explore the world around them and even if your dog is blind, their disability shouldn’t hold them back from doing all of the regular things that dogs do.
“When Pirate first arrived, he was quite apprehensive and nervous of the outside world. But, since being in our care he has had his first taste of adventure – he went on his first ever proper walk and was allowed to explore his surroundings in a search for hidden treasures. He has also met lots of people and dogs and now has quite a crew.”
Before coming to Battersea, Pirate had also never been seen by a vet and needed multiple veterinary treatments. These included basic vaccinations as well as more intricate eye removal surgery.
Thankfully it wasn’t long before Pirate found a new home with Christine and her husband Jack.
Christine said: “The first time I saw Pirate, his head perked up and his right ear flopped down and I though he was just the sweetest looking little boy. When they told me he was blind, I felt like my heart was going to burst. I made up my mind quite quickly that I wanted to take him home.”
The couple are teaching Pirate spoken commands to help him navigate the outside world, which will help him gain more confidence while out exploring.
Christine adds: “Pirate has been on quite a few walks since being with us. He was extremely nervous of even walking out the front door the first time we took him out. Now he’s gaining more confidence and walking beside or ahead of us rather than nervously behind us. He’s even mastering ‘step up’ and ‘step down’ when there’s stairs or changes un pavement.
“He’s such a lovely addition to our family, we’re absolutely in love with him and we wouldn’t have him any other way.”
Rebecca Maclver adds: “Pirate is the perfect example of why people should consider adopting an animal with a disability. Despite being blind and not previously having any experience of the outside world, he’s taken everything in his stride and can now live the fulfilled and exciting life that he derserves.”
If you’d like to give a Battersea dog a home, you can visit www.battersea.org.uk.
