Blind rescue dog finds new home at the age of 11

An 11-year-old blind dog has shown that it’s never too late for senior pets to find a forever home with a new owner.

Tiny Tim arrived at the RSPCA’s Llys Nini Animal Centre in March after his elderly owner was no longer able to care for him.

As well as sight loss, the little Westie had a range of health issues including an ear infection, sore skin and a severely matted coat, which had to be shaved in places to make him more comfortable.

But his “cheeky personality” won over foster carer Sally Humphries, who decided to adopt him permanently.

She has been teaching him using clicker training — a type of reward-based training where a clicker is used to tell a dog that they have done the right thing — and he responds to his name and to instructions such as, ‘sit’, ‘lie’, ‘step up’ and ‘step down’.

“When I first got Tim home, I set up a camera to monitor how he was coping and we started by keeping him on a lead and doing laps around different rooms to help familiarise him with the space,” said Sally, who is also the kennel team leader at Llys Nini Animal Centre.

“I put different textures in certain places, for example, a rug in front of the sofa and a towel under his water bowl to get him used to his surroundings.

“Despite his advancing years and the fact that we were advised he would probably need palliative care, he’s got a real zest for life. He’s definitely young at heart and I’ve had to be quite fit to keep up with him!”

Sally added that Tim has settled in well and enjoys the company of her other rescue dog, Lady.

“As time went on, I felt it would be unfair to expect him to start all over again with someone new and strange surroundings, particularly at his age, and more so because he’s blind. He’s wonderful company and a great example of how an older dog with a disability has so much to give and get out of life.”

Rescuing has never been more vital and with many older and rescue animals unable to win the hearts of owners who are in favour of puppies and kittens, Petwise wants to address this imbalance and give customers the confidence to take on an older or rescue pet without concerns over age-related illnesses or diseases. We offer senior dog insurance for dogs aged 7+, with no upper joining age limit. Why not get a quote today?