*Special needs dog - blind senior girl*

At approximately 8-10 years old, Kira found herself in a kennel, completely blind and hard of hearing, a huge lump on her ear, with matted and dirty fur. But despite the initial physical appearance, you couldn't meet a kinder dog, and she is so deserving of her chance at a new life.

Since coming into care, with the help of great vets, the council and her current foster carers, Kira has undergone quite the transformation - just check out those before and after photos!.

She has had both of her eyes removed, as they were non-functional and causing severe irritation, has had the lump on her ear removed, has been desexed, has been groomed, and has been loved by everyone who has met her.

On her overall health check, Kira is in incredible shape and does not show her age. Her teeth are perfect, and her pre-anaesthetic blood tests were also great. Given she is a Cocker Spaniel, she does require ear cleaning given her lovely floppy ears, but she is so easy to do this too and doesn't complain at all.

Kira is all up to date on vaccinations, worming etc.

Given her reduction in senses, Kira understandably has separation anxiety. For example, even when in familiar environments, she will cry if she realises you aren't near her, even if she is in the living room and you just in the kitchen. Given she can't see if you've left, and her hearing is so reduced, her only method of checking if you're there is to search. As a result, Kira needs a family who is understanding of this, and one who is willing to continue to find her an area where she feels safe and comfortable without continuous need for touch. Whilst in care, Kira has demonstrated she is able to do this, but it does take a lot of time, patience and of course, understanding. One of our best tricks has been to move a familiar blanket/quilt from room to room when we are in them, that way she can settle herself down on that blanket and is in close range to check-in with you if she needs to. We have also trialed crate-training with her, and whilst she does eventually settle down, it can take a while before she stops howling and crying, so again will take a lot of patience and perseverance. Whilst in kennels at the vets, the same is the case, but she seems more willing to settle in this environment.

Despite the reduction in senses, Kira does not have an aggressive bone in her body. When asleep or disorientated, you can approach her without any concern that she will snap, she just immediately starts wagging her tail and is so happy. Kira does have some slight hearing left, so we have found saying her name in a higher pitch and whistling she can definitely hear, and this also helps to reassure her that you are around.

As a result, Kira will be suited to a home where the person works from home. She gets along with other dogs very well, and has also been introduced to cats and not had a problem, so if the family has other dogs this may eventually be very helpful for her to find reliable company from other animals. She needs a home willing to work with her consistently, and provide a very safe space for her when she is left alone, or if she is to be alone for longer is able to cater for her and have someone even look after her. There will be clear requirements for the family to meet to adopt this girl, so please be aware of this prior to considering her for adoption.

If you'd like some more information on this lovely girl, please contact Gemma, her foster carer, on 0435939858.