Three-month-old Oliver was found wandering in Hyde Park and when he was taken to Battersea’s rehoming centre, staff realised he was completely blind.
Although they can’t know for sure, staff suspected the Rottweiler puppy’s sight problems may have been why he was left there.
Steve Craddock, Centre Manager at Battersea said: ‘We’ll never know the real reason why young Oliver was abandoned, but it may have been because being blind would make it harder for a breeder to sell him to new owners.’
Thankfully despite having a rough start in his short life he has now found himself a happy home in south-east London with new owner Suzanne and will now spend his first Christmas surrounded by a loving family.
Despite not being able to see, Oliver has learned how to get around his new home and loves to bring his owner his food bowl when he’s hungry, gaining him the nickname Oliver Twist.
Suzanne said: ‘Although Oliver is blind, he’s such a confident boy! He’s now fully settled, and with the help of his new big sister, Izzy, it took him no time at all to happily find his way around his new home.
‘He’s really bonded with Izzy, and the two now spend all of their time together; they love to go on country walks together and then have a snuggle in the evening. They’re the best of friends!
‘He’s such a big character and he really goes to show that while rescue dogs aren’t always perfect, they are definitely worth it.’
Because of his sight loss, Oliver’s other senses are heightened and he finds other ways to understand the word around him.
Although dogs like Oliver might need a little extra help, Steve urges those who are struggling with a puppy for whatever reason, to bring it to their local rescue, rather than just abandoning it.
He added: ‘Dogs are amazing animals, and blind dogs are often very misunderstood.
‘Although they may not be able to see, they can enjoy the world in different ways and will use their sense of smell to explore the world around them. Blind dogs are also very quick to map new environments and so can easily adjust to a home setting.
‘We’d always urge anyone with a puppy that they can no longer look after to bring them into a rescue centre like Battersea.
‘This way, they’ll be safe and will have the best chance of finding the perfect home, just like Oliver has done with Suzanne. There’s never any excuse for abandoning a helpless animal – rescues are here to help.’
Battersea needs support and donations from the public to continue to be here for vulnerable animals like Oliver.
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