Bring Light: Johnie is a True Underdog

PROJECT

Johnie is a True Underdog

Humane Society Silicon Valley

Johnie's got a lot of challenges, but underneath he's a sweetheart in search of a new home.

Number of Donations: 4 | Posted over 2 years ago

Project Funded!

The Charity

Humane Society Silicon Valley

Saving and enhancing lives - both two- and four- legged

Bring Light Activity

78 Donors

25 Projects since April, 2007

12 Active Projects since September, 2007

Charity Info

Based in: Milpitas, California

Year founded: 1929

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Project Info

When Johnie came to HSSV, he had so many problems, we weren’t sure where to start! His hips have a sway, indicating perhaps a difficulty with the joints or even hip dysplasia. He seemed to have either partial or full blindness. And to top it all off, we knew that because he is a 9 year old pit bull mix with an extra large head, a giant body and brindle coloring, his chances of being adopted are slim. He is a true underdog.

Then we spent some time with him and realized that inside that giant, old body was a loving puppy dog who just wanted to play ball and sit on any available lap (all 70 pounds of him!) We xrayed his hips – nothing wrong there! We also realized that he wasn’t 9 years old as originally estimated – he was just kind of shut down when he came to us due to depression. As the days passed and Johnie got more comfortable and felt more loved, he really turned out to be a mellow, affectionate guy. Volunteers who had only been willing to walk some of the small dogs at the shelter saw how nicely he walked on a leash and Johnie became the first big dog – a pitty! - for some of these volunteers to walk. It isn’t unusual to see him out for many walks in a day while he waits patiently for us to find him a home. Johnie is really an exceptional dog.

We’ve done some diagnostic work on Johnie, and have found that even though he had an untreated entropian condition that had caused damage to his eyes, he does have some of his sight left and is very willing to play fetch for as long as you have time. He’s good with other dogs and deserved a second chance. We know that he will be with us a little longer than some of the dogs we care for, but we feel the investment is worth it – that Johnie is worth the investment. Now all he needs is a home – and all we need is a little help to sponsor his care and medical work!