Silke Jasso
It looks like things are really looking up for Louis. Last year in December, the 3-year-old pup’s previous owners decided to have his eyes removed instead of treating a very serious infection. According to the Helen Woodward Animal Center, after the procedure, the family found it very difficult to care for a blind dog and ultimately surrendered the pet to a pound in California. That’s when Helen Woodward Animal Center rescued the pup from the pound and brought him to the facility in Rancho, Santa Fe. They posted his story online stating that he was available for adoption. The Animal Center said they received an outpouring of support, several adoption application, and donations. Among those potential pup parents was Lewis’s perfect match.
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The lab/shepherd pupper was officially adopted by Marine veteran Steve Walker, his wife Casey Walker, and their daughter Jordan. The new family is said to be an ideal match for Louis for several reasons. One, the family is located in the San Diego area, which allows Louis to make an easy transition into his new home. Two, Steve, just like the little one, is also visually impaired. The veteran started losing his eyesight at the age of 18 due to an eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa. But despite her rare eye disease, he hasn’t let the changes bring him down. The Marine veteran regularly competes in triathlons and marathons, which makes him a very great model for Lewis.
Louis is going HOME!
Louis is now learning to adjust to a life without sight. Another benefit of adopting Louis is that the family home is already outfitted to accommodate Louis’ blindness, with pocket doors instead of the regular Swinging Doors. The house also has a one-story layout which will help Lewis adjust to the area. Louis isn’t the only dog in the new home. The Walkers are also proud parents of two rescue dogs, who are said to be best friends. So, Louis will fit right in with the family. Thanks to the people on social media, Louis’ adoption fees were covered by a Good Samaritan, and he also received one year of Veterinary Service and ten sessions of training from San Diego pet training.
The pup also received a $500 Petco gift card, Subaru Loves Pets Adoption Kit from Frank Subaru, two bags of Blue Buffalo pet food, and a card signed by the entire staff who worked with Lewis at the Helen Woodward Animal Center. To donate for medical care of pets just like Louis, you can contact the VP of Development Renee Resko at (858) 756-4117 x 347 or visit my.animalcenter.org.
Meet Louis’ New Family!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on January 12, 2021. It was updated on January 20th, 2021 after Helen Woodward Animal Center shared that Lewis was finally adopted by The Walker family. Original story below.
There are some cruel cruel people in this world. I will never understand pet owners who decide not to take care of their animals whenever things get rough. As a fur momma myself, I would do anything to keep my cat safe, even if that means him losing an eye. But not these selfish and terrible owners, who I hope Karma gets back to them. Meet Louis, a 3-year-old Lab-Shepherd mix who is now looking for a forever family that will accept him just as he is. And let’s face it, he is quite adorable.
Louis arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, California, last month after being surrendered by his previous owners. Upon his arrival, the pup was dealing with a lot of change. At his previous home, Louis had developed a nasty eye infection. According to the rescue, it was a case unlikely any other vet has seen. According to a release from Helen Woodward animal shelter, the dog’s owners opted to have Louis’ eyes removed in early December 2020 instead of paying to treat the infection.
Following the procedure, the pup came home and tried to adapt to life without eyes, but his terrible owners were less flexible. Unfortunately, sweet little Louis was surrendered to pound in Calexico shortly after his operation because his previous step owners couldn’t adjust to living with a blind dog. A rescuer partner of Helen Woodward pulled Louis from the pound and decided to bring him to the Animal Center.
Louis, The Adorable Dog!
The pooch arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center, heartbroken, nervous, and nearly blind. Unfortunately, according to a medical check, little Louis also had old untreated injuries which likely came from being hit by a car. According to Helen Woodward Animal Center adoptions director Hella Tyler, “It is incredibly important that people who consider getting a pet know the obligations they take on with these animals. When people get their pets for free off of Craigslist, 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 with unparalleled love. They pay it back tenfold. It’s just devastating to see an animal treated the way Louis was treated.”
So, trying to get Louis his hopes up, the non-profit organization placed that puppy in a new foster home, where he is now adjusting to a life without eyes thanks to his foster family. Now, all precious Louis needs is to start the next chapter of his life by finding a perfect match. Helen Woodward is now working to find his forever home. The animal clinic stated that in order to adjust to his living, his new family should live in a one-story house and ideally should work from home. It’s the perfect forever home. Since the dog is barely adjusting to limp from an old injury and loss of sight, he is looking for a family who is “prepared to provide patients and special care as he learns his way around a new home.”
A Second Chance for Louis!
As far as what Louis can give to the family, well a lot of snuggles and of course a lot of love to offer. According to Tyler, “Louis is extraordinary. 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.” As a thank you for giving the pup a second chance, the animal clinic is offering its adopters a free training session, treats, and dog food.
He will be up for adoption starting on Wednesday, January 13th. To adopt Louis or for more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center, you’re asked to fill out an application on www.animalcenter.org or call 858-756-4117. Pit Bull, Golden Retriever, Chihuahua, Bulldog, Labrador? You name it! They have all adorable foster dogs for all!
