Meet Chewie - Adoption Pending (Special Needs)

Adoptable

Lab lovers, look out! Chewie is one of a kind. Not only does he come with all the wonderful Labrador traits (loves to swim, lives to play with balls, great with everyone, sheds like crazy) he is super extra special! Despite loosing all his feet to frostbite when he was a young pup, he is a joyful dog that has some specific needs that make him even more exceptional.



Chewie never learned how to walk like a dog because of his injuries and adapted by hoping around like a kangaroo. Although it's adorable to see him do this, it is very bad for his body so when he came into our care we worked out a goal for Chewie. Over the 6 months in our care he has been going to physiotherapy and has been practicing in his front end wheelchair to move more like his body was meant to. His physiotherapy is complete although he will need occasional check ups to make sure his body is comfortable and pain free. The work in his wheelchair is ongoing and whoever he chooses to spend his life with must be willing to patiently continue his driving lessons.



Chewie also demands some physical care. He loves a spa treatment and regularly gets paw massages with moisturizer to keep his callused stumps soft and smooth. He even has booties to cover up is calluses once the massage is done and for cold weather outside. While he's relaxed and getting pampered, he also gets an ear check, making sure they are clean.



Chewie can quite easily get from room to room but if he's up on furniture or a bed, he needs help to get back down. He also needs a lift in and out of the car and his wheelchair so Chewie's person must be ready and able to spend a lot of physical time helping him get around. They'll need to have somewhere for Chewie to park his ride as his wheelchair will be going with him to his new home. Chewie is presently on medication for nerve pain and will need that lifelong.



Chewie can do stairs in a pinch but they shouldn't be part of his daily routine as he finds it difficult to go downstairs, which puts pressure on his fronts stumps. Chewie is very active however his physical condition limits his ability to do sustained exercise. Instead of long walks and chasing balls, Chewie channels his need for stimulation with chew toys, play time with other dogs and one on one interaction with his people.



Chewie is great with everyone. He lives with cats and dogs and enjoys playful games with mellow dogs. He adores all people although he can get overstimulated and mouth on occasion. This is corrected by giving him a more appropriate thing to put in his mouth, like his favorite ball. He enjoys many toys, especially kongs, balls and his beloved pillows.



Chewie is housetrained and has never had an accident since coming into care. He is fine when left alone although he does bark when you leave and when you come back home, however is calm while you are away. Speaking of barking, he is very expressive when it comes to communicating his needs like when he wants attention or wants to get down from the couch.



Anyone who meets this fabulous pup falls in love with his charisma and charm. Expressive, goofy, fun-loving and adorable are all appropriate definitions of Chewie. If you love labs, have a soft spot for special needs cases and are able to provide the long term care that Chewie will need for the rest of his days you can find our application here: http://www.misfitmanordogrescue.com/adoption-application.php