Henry (Deaf!) *On Trial in His New Home*

*HENRY IS CURRENTLY TRIALLING HIS NEW HOME* We’ve named this little fella Henry though you can call him whatever you like because he won’t hear you……but he will be able to see all the love you can give him and that’s what matters most! He is a quiet, thoughtful little dog who, despite all he’s been through, would love to be someone’s cherished lapdog. He is looking for a caring and compassionate home who will give him the love he deserves and understands that being deaf isn’t the end of the world.

Recently rescued from Swan Hill Council’s pound we had no idea Henry was deaf until his foster carer picked up on it plus his ears were painful when touched. At his first vet visit it was discovered that both ears had lots of brown to black crusty material built up in them so while he was being desexed this was removed as well as what seemed to be ancient grass seeds. He also had 3 rotten back teeth extracted and our vets guesstimated his age to be 6 years old; it’s doubtful Henry would’ve ever seen a vet in his life and sadly lack of treatment for what would’ve been constant ear infections is what most probably led to his becoming deaf. Since his ears have been cleaned out he appears to acknowledge very loud noises such as a really firm hand clap.

Henry can be a bit shy when he first meets new people though soon warms up especially if you offer him a snuggle on your lap. We wouldn’t recommend him to a home with children as he can be scared by sudden movements and will hide under the nearest piece of furniture until he feels sure that he’s safe. He sometimes flinches when you go to pat him making us assume he hasn’t had much love and affection in his past life so taking it slowly with Henry is the way to go until he’s gained your trust. In saying all this Henry doesn’t have a mean bone in his body and once he gets to know you he’s happy to be scooped up and cuddled at any opportunity!

Henry is terrific with other dogs and is getting along well with his carers own Jack Russell pup; it’s lovely watching them play! He doesn’t appear to know what toys are and we haven’t found a treat he likes yet – he’s the first dog I’ve ever met to turn his nose up at Schmackos, but I’m sure if you persevered you’d find something that tickles Henry’s tastebuds.

Check out some video of Henry: http://youtu.be/aWDYu85sSwQ

And some more: http://youtu.be/j04n4mlxl2I

(he didn’t really like having his photos taken or my video camera in his face but we reassured him it was all for a good cause!)

Adorable Henry is quite low-maintenance only needing a short walk or a run around the backyard to use up his energy. He doesn’t shed any hair and tolerates a bath though he’ll require a professional groom a few times a year. Secure fencing, chicken necks to chew on and a lap to snuggle up on will make him very happy indeed! As Henry’s carer has got his housetraining under control and he sleeps inside at night we would like to see this inside / outside lifestyle continue in his new home with preferably another friendly dog for company or humans who’ll be home a lot and happy to have a little lapdog in their life…..and at only 4kgs Henry is a terrific “take anywhere” size too!!

If you’ve been looking for the companionship of a wonderful pet, and understand that being deaf is no barrier to love, then please download and complete a SARG Dog Application form by following this link: http://www.sarg.net.au/adoptapet.html