Stories2 min(s) read
Published 18:46 12 Jan 2021 GMT
Dogs, like people, are susceptible to all kinds of disabilities. But you'd hope that the same unconditional love we have for our friends and family who live with disabilities would extend to our beloved pets too.
Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.
In fact, a three-year-old dog is now looking for his forever home because his original owners gave him up after he became blind.
According to PEOPLE, Louis, a gorgeous Lab-Shepherd mix, arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, California, at the end of December after being given up by his owners.
When Louis developed an eye infection, his former owners decided to have his eyes removed rather than pay to treat it.
Shortly after the procedure, the canine was left at a pound in Calexico as his owners were not able to adjust to caring for a blind dog.
Louis was then brought to Helen Woodward Animal Center, where a medical check-up revealed that he had sustained untreated injuries - potentially as a result of being struck by a vehicle.
"It is incredibly important that people who consider getting a pet know the obligations they take on with these animals," Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoptions Director Hella Tyler said in a statement.
"When people get their pets for free off of Craigslist, they don't seem to realize that pets come with responsibilities and a monthly expense for their caretaking, including medical care," the statement continued.
"In turn, these pets will provide their owners with unparalleled love. They pay it back tenfold. It's just devastating to see an animal treated the way Louis was treated."
Louis is currently living at a foster home, adjusting to life after his loss of sight.
Helen Woodward is still hoping to find a suitable forever family for Louis. Ideally, his new owners would live in a one-story house, and work from home.
Louis is looking for a family who is "prepared to provide patience and special care" as he "learns his way around a new home," according to Helen Woodward.
"Louis is extraordinary," Tyler added. "He really suffered at the hands of his former owners but he shows no malice towards humankind. He is ready to love the perfect family and he certainly deserves one."
