CHOPPER**

Hello! I came to the shelter when my previous owners felt that a better home would suit me. I am almost completely blind and I am a sweet boy. I have had no issues with adults here at the shetler, but it is recommended that I go to a home with no children and have slow introductions with new people (due to my blindness, I get overwhelmed - especially by small children - and I may try to bite out of fear). Like many dogs in NC, I am currently heartworm positive, but don't worry - OCAS is treating me and they can give you more information about that if you are interested in adopting me. In North Carolina, it's unfortunately common to see many dogs that are infected with heartworms (they are transmitted by mosquito bites). Heartworm disease may cause severe lung disease, heart failure, or other organ damage in dogs. It's usually fatal if left untreated. Heartworm treatment is costly. With your support, OCAS can help more dogs with this disease - resulting in healthier dogs that are even more likely to get adopted. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign.Caring for a blind dog involves creating a safe, consistent environment, relying on sensory cues, and using positive reinforcement to build confidence. Key tips include keeping furniture in the same place, using rugs to mark areas, speaking before touching to avoid startling them, and using scented or auditory, devices for navigation. Always use a leash for walks to keep them close, even in safe, familiar areas.NOTES FROM MY ADVENTURE BUDDIES AND FOSTER FRIENDS:`Chopper was okay in the car, he was very nervous and couldn’t figure out how to sit/brace himself. It would be good if he was held in the car. I think he was just scared. He was fine on a leash, as long as he was guided with a voice he knew where to go. He LOVED getting hugged and just sitting at your feet getting pet. He’s a very happy boy and he loved when we talked to him and just sat with him and let him know we were there. We walked around the block and he sniffed everything possible and then we chilled inside and laid on the carpet and he got plenty of pets and treats.I love how curious he is even though he is nervous. He has outstanding courage and just loves to sniff and feel his way around. He is no different than a normal dog and he knows it. He just takes an extra minute to feel his surroundings because he can’t see them.``Chopper is such a sweet little angel. He is blind, so he can be a bit cautious and fearful, but is sooooo sweet and really thrives on reassurance and cuddles from people. He is such a lovebug and just needs someone who can spend time with him and love him. He just wants to be right next to you and is such a snuggler. He would love to hang out with someone who needs a quiet, low-key companion and can spend time with him at home. He is so sweet.``Chopper is a very special boy. We have been fostering him for a week now, and it has been a wonderful adventure. As we get to know him better, what stands out most is that he is happy, friendly, and smart. More than anything, he just wants to be by your side.Because of his limited vision, we have set up a defined space for him with rugs and other textures to help him recognize different areas and feel secure. He figured this out in just a few days and has already become much more confident, especially outside in the yard. Each day he ventures a little farther, and having two other dogs around seems to help him feel even more at ease. We also keep bells on the other dogs so he can always tell when they are nearby. He gets so excited when he hears them, and his tail immediately starts wagging nonstop.Chopper thrives with consistency, structure, and communication. Keeping things in the same place, following a routine, using scent cues or other aids, and announcing yourself so he is not startled all help him feel secure as he learns his surroundings.Chopper is a wonderful dog who needs someone willing to take the time to understand him and help him truly thrive. With patience, a willingness to learn, and plenty of love, this little man will flourish. He is a sweet, gentle boy with an amazing ability to adapt. We love his happy snorts, his excited tail when he hears you call his name, and just about everything about him.``We’ve learned a lot about caring for a visually impaired dog, and it really comes down to routine, consistency, patience, and communication. We always let him know when we’re entering his space, no matter the time of day, even when he senses us and his tail is already wagging.He hasn’t had any sundowning behaviors since that first week (first night and third night). When it did happen, we easily managed it by giving him reassurance and a moment to feel secure again. We also knew it probably stemmed from the newness. The routine we’ve established seems to be helping a lot. He’s becoming more playful and is starting to show some silliness, which has been really nice to see.As for resource guarding, we’ve been very mindful and intentional. He has a pupsicle that is his, and when we give it to him, we place it in the same spot every time so he knows exactly where it is. We give him space while he enjoys it and wait until he’s finished before approaching. He really loves the treat, and once he’s done, he’s right back to seeking out pets and attention.He’s still decompressing, but it’s been great watching him settle in and come more into his own. We really want to help him find the right family. While a home without small children would likely be the best fit, given that he can startle easily and may not always understand boundaries, he will be an incredible companion for someone willing to take the time with him. It’s truly not much to ask when you get the kind of love he gives back tenfold.`