Abel

Profile

Abel is a 4-year-old neutered male English Cream. Up until 10 days ago, he lived with one loving family since he was a puppy. Three relatively recent events bring Abel into RAGOM's care. First, a companion dog that Abel grew up with was surrendered due to medical issues. Second, the surrendering owner (SO) returned to full-time work this past fall. And third, Abel was diagnosed with progressive retinal atrophy - a genetic condition - in December 2014. Although he may differentiate between light and shadow, Abel is, essentially, blind. This perfect storm of events have caused Abel to become anxious. The SO felt that Abel would receive the love and care he deserves in a new home.

When Abel arrived here, he was, predictably, uncertain and unhappy. The poor guy didn't know where he was. He did know that nothing was familiar and everyone was strange. He had a rough first night. Fortunately, Foster Mom (FM) had scheduled Abel's wellness exam with the vet for the following day. (The exam turned out A-OK; more detail in the next write-up.) Given Abel's upset, the vet prescribed a low dosage of Trazodone for Abel. This is a fast-acting med that can be administered episodically when a dog's anxiety is triggered. FM gave Abel a pill when we got home. He snoozed the afternoon away and slept soundly through the night.

The world looked much better to Abel the next morning. He settles in more and more comfortably each day. He has become a big, affectionate, happy teddy bear of a guy. Abel needs a fenced yard; he is not a "runner," but he is a happy wanderer. He loves children: his SO's family included a 6-year-old and a 7-month-old baby. Abel would do best with another dog in his new family. He met FM's two cats calmly and exhibits only a mild, benevolent interest in them. Abel has fit in nicely with the residents and other foster. There was one instance where a resident wanted to appropriate a bone in Abel's possession. Abel stated that it was his bone and that he did not want to share at that time. Since then, no problems. He sleeps through the night next to FM's bed. He is fully house-trained. (He had one accident the first night he was here - but that's no surprise since he didn't know where to go to tell me he needed to go out!) At this time, he would do best with a new family where someone is home for a good part of the day.

What is amazing is how quickly Abel settled in to a home with an unfamiliar floor plan. By Day 3, he was moving around confidently inside the house and if you didn't know he was blind, his actions would not tip you off. Interestingly, there is a walk and then 3 steps that lead up to the door in the front of the house. FM noticed that Abel was "feeling" for the steps by the sixth time that we used the front walk/steps. Wow! Was FM impressed! FM continues to keep Abel leashed when we initially go into the back yard - to guide him to the spots to go potty. FM then releases him to wander about, but supervises in case he gets confused. Abel approaches the yard with a pragmatic problem-solving attitude. If a bush impedes his progress, he backs up, turns around and chooses another direction. Two days ago, he traveled - unerringly and without pausing - from the middle of the yard to the back steps. It was cold and he wanted to come in!

Happy Valentine's Day from beautiful Abel. What a doll! He has a super can-do attitude and is settling in beautifully!