Char: From Shelter Dog to Adventure Extraordinaire
Discover the Resilience and Spirit of Char, a Siberian Husky Defying the Odds
In a world where second chances are rare, Char’s story shines as a beacon of hope, showcasing the incredible potential that lies within every shelter dog. Char, a beautiful Siberian Husky, was rescued a little over a year ago from a local kill shelter by the Fayette Humane Society (FHS), where she still patiently awaits a home. She has become a local favorite within FHS and their social media following, and rightfully so. But, even with her alluring personality, she has unfortunately been with us for a lengthy span of time, becoming one of the longest-tenured dogs.
Tragically, at only a year old Char was diagnosed with Juvenile Cataracts. But what exactly is that? Cataracts are a cloudiness or opacity in the eye’s lens. Unlike cataracts that typically occur in older dogs, juvenile cataracts affect dogs at a younger age, often before they reach two years old. The unfortunate outcome of this disease is blindness, but in Char’s case it was caught early enough and symptoms won’t be permanent as long as treatment is pursued. The problem is, this treatment ranges from $1,500-$5,000 per eye. After this realization, the unexpected happened; news that the board held a meeting and decided that euthanasia would be best for this lively, fully functioning pup. Luckily for Char, the community joined forces to raise money and make an argument for her stay. She will eventually need surgery and is dependent on her future owners to carry it out, but it will be fully paid for by the organization.
You’re probably asking yourself why such an attractive and popular breed has been up for adoption so long, and in all honesty we ask that too. You can’t expect a shelter dog to be perfect in every way, and while she almost fits that category, Char has some problems with sharing her things. With humans, she’s completely fine, but if she has a toy, that is her toy, and if a dog so much as walks by, it’s endgame. It is difficult to train out of a dog, and honestly feels like a terminal diagnosis. If she doesn’t get proper help, she may never be allowed around other dogs freely. This, professionally, is referred to as resource guarding. Due to her breed and rambunctious personality, she also has some requirements for adoption. “Needs Fence,” “No Cats,” and “Single Dog Home," is what can be seen on her page.
Something I find interesting that people might overlook, is that a dog isn’t their breed, y’know? Dogs have their own separate personality. Char has something that stands out to her; she doesn’t sing and is not vocal like most Huskies. And unlike most dogs, she really loves her crate. If she see’s one, no matter the size, she will try to squeeze in. She has such an outstanding and vibrant personality, and really loves her people. She also happens to be a bit stubborn, but when she wants to learn, she will learn. Like sometimes she is eager to please and gives you all of her focus, but she is very self-willed at the same time. And I respect her for that.
Fortunately, even though I am not able to foster due to allergies in the home, I get to take these wonderful dogs out for training, fun, and adventuring. Me and Char love putting on our gear and getting to run free and explore, whether it is just going to local events or full on hiking, it is always an adventure. One time, we had a crowd of people around us, and Char was just on her belly while people lined up to pet her. She truly is a people person. I love getting out, and I know how much she truly needs and deserves it. Not only is she benefitting me through companionship, I benefit her chances of getting adopted and keeping her a happy and healthy dog. Char of course needs the best, and uses professional adventure dog gear such as RexSpecs and Wilderdog, showing our commitment.
Despite the challenges of specialized care and adoption struggles, Char remains a vibrant and captivating girl. She is a reminder that that every shelter dog deserves a chance at a fulfilling life, and by coming together as a community, we can provide them with the love, care, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that more dogs like Char have the opportunity to experience the joy and happiness of life.
We meet tons of people in public interested in adopting her, but then we later look only to see she still has no applications. You can take action today and make a real difference in a shelter dog’s life. Whether it is by adopting Char or another deserving pup, donating to support their care and rehabilitation, or even fostering or volunteering at a local shelter, you can play a vital role in giving them the love and second chance they deserve. Together, let’s create a brighter future for these amazing beings.
Take a moment to look at Char, and discover how you can give this wonderful girl a forever home on her adoption page. If a dog understandably doesn’t fit your lifestyle, consider donating, here, or sharing this article with family, friends, and social media.
If her page is no longer available, she hopefully got adopted. Thank you for reading. Follow my page to stay updated on Char’s inspiring journey and the captivating stories of other dogs.
Wishing you endless tail wags and happiness,
Alyssa
