Thunder

Meet Thunder, an 11 pound schipperke. His exact age is unknown but he is guessed to be about 10 years old. Thunder doesn’t see too well and his joints are getting a tad creaky, but he doesn’t let that slow him down! This little charmer follows his nose wherever it goes, fully confident that he’ll always meet with something interesting and
a friendly reception.

This little guy is just so easy! He’s relaxed, calm, curious and friendly. He’s laid-back and doesn’t ask for a lot of exercise, but he’s no couch potato – he loves to putter about sniffing at this or that. He also loves car rides, casual walks on a leash, chewing his toys and bones, and just generally hanging out with his special human. He doesn’t have any bad habits, and he’s friendly and polite to everyone he meets – human, dog or cat.

Thunder is reliably potty trained (he prefers to relieve himself outside, but will use a pee pad if necessary). He’s comfortable in a crate, but is so well-behaved he doesn’t really need to be confined. He walks well on a leash. Apart from that, he doesn’t seem to know any commands. He’s still learning his name, and may take a while to come when called, but he doesn’t object if you really want him badly enough to go get him. He loves treats, so although we wouldn’t regard him as a candidate for advanced training, you could probably teach him to come promptly enough without too much trouble.

The rescue Thunder is cross posted for does not have a canine eye specialist serving their community, and because Thunder’s condition doesn’t appear to cause him pain or distress the rescue does plan to make a journey of several hours to get a detailed diagnosis of his eye condition. However, a highly respected general vet has examined him and believes he has stromal corneal dystrophy. This condition is neither painful nor treatable. He has some peripheral vision, but it’s likely that he will eventually become completely blind.

Thunder’s rescuers will request that his adopter undertake to have him examined by a specialist, and monitored as necessary, because Schipperkes are prone to eye problems. His arthritis is currently managed through gentle exercise, with anti-inflammatories to be given as needed. As he ages his need for pain management will probably increase.

Thunder is posted for Hearthfire Animal Rescue, located in Kennewick, WA. To adopt him, please email HearthfireART@gmail.com and request an adoption form. Please note that HART does not have a facility. All  pets are in foster homes. HART will be happy to arrange for you to meet Thunder after your application to adopt has been approved.

This is not an ODH dog; we urge prospective adopters to do their own evaluation.