The Craig’s List Sisters, Asia and Sparrow – Sparrow Adopted

These two 6-month-old pups were on Craig’s list 2 weeks ago. Amy Benz called me in a panic when she noticed one of them was a white Aussie (red flag). She contacted the owners who confirmed that she is deaf and also mentioned casually that the brown one has a bad leg.

I made a few phone calls and planned on moving some dogs around so I could have the room to take them in. I called Amy and asked her to get them for us. Well, she called the owner only to be told that a wonderful couple was driving from Crystal River to pick up the dogs, and they had experience with deaf/blind dogs. We were relieved.

Just a few days ago, however, Amy called me again to tell me that the same two pups were on Craig’s list again. This time, I called. Why were they on Craig’s list again?

The list of reasons why were as long as Sarah’s Christmas list for Santa. When Amy arrived to pick them up, the conditions there were alarming – she wondered how they could afford to feed the dogs. They had no experience with deaf/blind dogs whatsoever. The new owner indicated that he had taken the brown Aussie (Sparrow) to the vet and the vet said it would heal on it’s own. The bill was only $28 and no x-rays done, yet the paperwork indicates a broken femur. Even though the two are both due for their boosters and rabies, no shots were given. Both need to be spayed. Craig’s list is a great tool, but free to a good home is dangerous, especially when dogs are not spay/neutered before re-homing.

Amy brought the dogs late that night to Jesse’s place. Jesse indicates that the leg is healing improperly and something needs to be done right away.
We believe that Asia does have good vision, but her hearing is questionable.

They are being transported to the vet tonight, and we are waiting for x-rays before we can create a plan for Sparrow; Asia however, is coming to me!!!!

I will be consulting with Fritzi in Connecticut, who adopted Deaf Sassafras, and Asia’s training will begin. I have already asked that a small Thundershirt be donated for Asia, and it’s on the way. The Thundershirt proved to be successful for Velveteen.
http://www.deafdogs.org

This is going to be exciting. I wonder what China will think about Asia?

I have been corrected that the term lethal whites does not apply to Aussies, yet the term is always used. Here’s a great site that explains why. http://www.lethalwhites.com/

P.S. What I love about deaf dogs is that Ryan can play the trumpet as loud as he wants, and it doesn’t bother them!

Sparrow’s photos can be seen in her Facebook Photo Album.

December 7th Update:

Holly just met the sisters at the vet, and within minutes of putting them in separate crates, Asia experienced severe separation anxiety. I have my work cut out for me, that’s for sure. With her sister, Sparrow, possibly facing surgery, separating them will be a must. Clearly, Asia is using her sister as her compass, just like China uses Ozzie. I plan on taking a lot of naps, going to bed early, and sleeping in as much as possible while I wait for Asia, for once she arrives, I have a feeling sleep will be something that I don’t get much of. A Thundershirt is on the way for her, and I’m researching vibrating collars, but they are an expensive gadget for this rescue. On the bright side, I stocked up on marrow bones and chicken hot dogs!

It was almost midnight when the vet’s office called me last night about Sparrow. The injury is a very old one, they are looking at the x-rays and will consult with another doctor before they make their final decision.

Update 12/10/10: The girls arrived last night, and they have been wonderful. Asia does cry a bit when left alone, but they are slowly being separated, and both are wonderful temperaments. I agree that they are about 5-6 months of age. Asia’s training will start this weekend, a Thundershirt has arrived!

Update 12/12/10: Ahhh, a quiet night for the little girl named Asia. Her Thundershirt arrived, and her crate changed. No wire crates for her, instead, she enjoys the comfort of a plastic airline crate, and her overstuffed doggie bed. I think it was the best night’s sleep she ever had! She is loose in the house with the pack, she and China are getting along well, but China wants to play rough.

Sparrow, on the other hand is enjoying peace and tranquility. I think Asia’s constant screaming was getting on her nerves. Amazingly enough, separating them was the only way to train Asia, because every time Asia was corrected, Sparrow would sulk and think she was in trouble too!

They are both incredibly intelligent and calm for young puppies, and because Asia was not abused, her training will progress quickly as opposed to China. I’m so thankful that Amy Benz scooped these two up for us, for I believe that they were on the road to nowhere.

Why is Craig’s list so dangerous?

You thought I wouldn’t bring that up again, didn’t you? Here’s why. I did this video July, 2009 for Pet Rescue by Judy.

Craig’s List, why it’s dangerous

12/19/20 Adoption Update: Sparrow was adopted at the Sandy Paws event yesterday. by Carolyn Shoup. Here, Carolyn’s granddaughter cuddles with Sparrow. Carolyn Writes: Good Morning. Sparrow is now named Peanut. We took her to Petsmart to get a collaar etc. and she did wonderful. She isn’t sure about her crate at night but she goes in with one of the toys we got her. She has already leaned to use the dog door on the porch but she still wants you out there with her. She loves bird seed. Also she is definitely a lap dog. She did well on her wlak yesterday but both of us will need training in how to walk on a leash. When my granddaughters come over this week we will send you some pictures. She has a vet appointment tomorrow, will get the fax number for you. Carolyn