SPECIAL NEEDS
Montezuma
Montezuma, aka Monte or Zuma is a stunning, almost all black 10 month old youngster who weighs in at about 75lb and is not able to see anything. In his original home, he lived outdoors with another German Shepherd, so indoor living with a pack has been a big adjustment for Montezuma. Everything is new to him and his lack of sight makes him more tentative getting used to his surroundings. He is adapting well to indoor living and is learning not to feel threatened by the presence of the other dogs. He engages in play with the young male and female in the house, but currently all interactions are supervised.
He has acclimated to his foster home and now he is starting to accompany his foster mom on outings so that he can learn to be social outside of the home. He meets people nicely, but can sometimes be reactive in the presence of other dogs or new situations, so care should be used when socializing this boy. He has been responsive to a strong correction.
While this affectionate boy loves engaging in puppy antics with the resident pup in his foster home, he is also very content to hang out with his human. He loves attention and will always welcome a pat or scratch. He walks nicely on a leash, aside from occasionally getting underfoot, and loves to go for rides in the car. He is well on his way to being house-trained and sleeps quietly in his crate at night. Even though he has a gentle nature, smaller children are not recommended, as he can be a bit clumsy and reactive when uncertain of his surroundings.
Based on a recent exam by an eye specialist, he has no vision in either eye and it cannot be corrected. He has glaucoma in his left eye and other malformations in his optic nerve and surrounding tissues of both eyes but is not in pain. A daily regimen of eye drops in his left eye will enable him to live comfortably with his vision loss.
Although he cannot see, this boy is no shrinking violet. He can tend to get overly protective of his person and bossy with the other dogs on occasion, so consistent corrections for unwanted behaviors are a must. His blindness does not earn him a free pass, and continued socialization and training will enable him to reach his full potential. Typically, blind dogs do better in a home with another confident resident dog that they can follow and learn from.
Cats and small critters unknown.
This is a Level 3 Dog. Please be sure you understand what a dog of this Level requires.
Added May 2019
Updated Pictures July 2019
