Jua

About Jua

*Abandoned * *No collar *No chip *No Accountability Two weeks ago a member of the public was on his way to the Gym at 5.30am. As he travelled along the Headford Road, in Galway City, he could see something in the middle of the road in his cars lights. He slowed and sitting in the middle of the road, too afraid to move, trembling and traumatised, was a little terrier girl. Thankfully, this kind man didn't hesitate to jump out of his car to help her but as he did he could see there was something wrong. He wasn't quite sure but as he headed back home to his home and wife, it was then they realised that this little girl appeared blind. They wrapped her up in one of their own dogs jackets, a blanket and told her she was safe. This amazing couple who went above and beyond are Luiz and Mara Regina. They got in touch with our kennel manager who said we would most definitely help but would need to make appropriate space for such a special case. And again, Luiz and Mara Regina stepped up, offering to keep her warm and safe until we could get organised. A few days later this lucky little girl arrived to our sanctuary (via our Briarhill Shop Managers house, thanks Shelley) where we settled her into a quiet room in our house. We named her Jua (Sunshine) and promised her that she was now safe and loved. The next day Jua went to our vets for an assessment. She was, as we thought, completely blind but we asked for a referral to Natasha, the eye specialist, so we could be absolutely sure there was nothing could be done for Juas sight and so we could have a diagnosis to give any upcoming adopters. Jua was also treated for her mangy skin. Jua visited Natasha for her consult and it was confirmed that Jua has zero sight. Natasha, the eye specialist, felt that Jua was not born blind that it was possibly recent-ish and it could have been one of a number of reasons:- *Inflammation behind the eyes *Infection, such as mild meningitis She couldn't rule out the possibility of a blunt trauma to the head at some stage of her life. While there is nothing to be done to give Jua back her sight, we can now give her a future. A future full of love, warmth, cuddles, comfy sofas, car trips, chicken dinners (she loves chicken). We can give her stability, safety and security. We can give her all the things she so obviously never had. Was Jua "thrown out" because of her blindness. Was she left to live in a world of darkness because nobody cared enough to seek veterinary treatment? Was she left to wander into the middle of a busy road where she became so scared she curled up, frozen in fear? If it hadn't been for Luiz seeing her ,stopping and picking her up, we have no doubt that Jua probably would not have survived. Can you imagine hearing all the noises of passing cars but not knowing which one may be the last one you hear? We are forever grateful to Luiz and Mara Regina for their empathy towards Jua. You were her saviours. Jua is now spayed, vaccinated and hipped. She is approximately 4 years old. She is ready to look for her forever home. She is the sweetest, somewhat shy little one but who warms quickly and absolutely loves a cuddle on your lap, loves kisses and ear scratches. She is hoping for a quiet home with a fully secure garden that she can happily potter around in. She needs someone at home most/all of the day and someone who would love a travelling companion as Jua loves the car and sits quietly in it. We feel a home without children would be best and Jua would be quite happy as the only dog. She doesn't ask for much, just love and company. She isn't the adventurous type so would be happy with a chilled home. Going forward Natasha, the eye vet, sees no further medical problems for Jua regarding her eyes and she is most importantly pain free. If ever a little dog deserved a 5 star home it has to be this little one. If you are looking for a quiet, sweet natured, placid but affectionate best friend then here she is. Blind dogs do just as well as sighted dogs, once they get to know their new environment.

How to adopt from Galway SPCA