“Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is considered by many to be the puppy mill capital of the East,” said Ruth Stewart, development coordinator for Main Line Animal Rescue. When a breeder approached one of the organization’s volunteer partners, about three blind kogi puppies, they were quickly brought into care for Main Line.
As Stewart explains, “Of course we agreed, because the alternative for a puppy who can’t be sold at full price is euthanasia.”
The Coggie puppies with the problem are named Helen, Ray and Steve. In addition to being blind, they have also been diagnosed with some degree of hearing loss. The three pups have had to learn to rely on their senses of smell, taste and touch to get around, but Stewart says, “To see them playing in our fields, you really wouldn’t know they were like any other dog – well, except for the occasional bump into the fence. “
Under the watchful eye of the mainline, the Cogi pups have also developed a strategy of “putting a lot of things in their mouths” in the hope of discovering the world around them through their senses of taste and touch.
Stewart added that in their daily lives, Helen, Ray and Steve are all about being “playful and friendly” while exploring a safe environment. He added that they love to give people puppy breath kisses. “They’re such sweet puppies and everyone who meets them has a smile on their face.”
Looking to the future, Helen, Ray and Steve are looking for forever homes. Stewart says, “Ideally, we’d like to find people who have experience of adopting animals with special abilities, but of course there aren’t a lot of people out there who have that experience.”
Stewart adds that Main Line has provided homes for several other blind and deaf dogs in the past, and that the most important factor is demonstrating “commitment to the animals and a love for them.” So while Helen, Ray and Stevie will need customized training to accommodate their special needs status, fundamentally, “they are able to do anything any other dog can do.”
If you think you can provide a home for these adorable kogis, connect with Main Line Animal Rescue via Facebook or their website.
