by Lee Juslin

Duncan, a Scottie/Airedale mix, came into NY/NJ Scottie Rescue a very frightened little boy. Judged to be about a year old, he was very young acting, probably because he was not socialized. He had spent most of his short life in a crate or chained outside. He was terrified of other dogs and people and had no experience as a beloved pet.

This little Scottie mix had a bleeding gash over one eye, and what is called Wall Eye or Lazy Eye. Technically known as Strabismus, it is a condition of one eye being out of alignment and not moving normally. The eyeball is controlled by a network of small muscles connected directly to the eye. If one or more of these muscles is longer, the eye appears closer to the nose or in a reverse condition, away from the nose. This can occur at birth or be the result of an accident or attack by another animal. In Duncan’s case, the rescue had not gotten any medical records and so did not know how he received the gash over his eye or the origin of his Wall Eye.

Duncan

When Duncan came into rescue, he was immediately vetted. Although his Wall Eye is permanent, his gash has been treated, he’s been neutered, and he is up to date on his vaccinations. He is otherwise healthy and not on any medication. Once vetted, Duncan was placed with a trainer. He was terrified of people and other dogs and generally untrained. After several months working with the trainer, going on long walks, adjusting to being part of a pack, and learning some manners, Duncan is much improved. He has also been exposed to people at the training facility and the kennel where he stayed before going for training. While it takes him awhile to accept a person, he is no longer nervous of meeting people, and he enjoys walking on a leash. His fears have lessened considerably, he has learned to love toys, and accepts being part of a pack. Happily, he shows fewer signs of the terrified little boy he once was.

Duncan has not been groomed yet, and Erica of NY/NJ Scottie Rescue says he looks like a woolly lamb with a Scottie head. Although he has made a lot of progress, he needs more training on a leash and with other dogs.

Duncan training

When Duncan is ready to find his forever home, he will need a quiet, calm home. An ideal situation would be a middle-aged couple with no children who have a lot of patience for this busy, active boy. He needs someone or a couple who can walk him and play with him. His adopters will need to continue working on his training, and this active little boy needs a fenced-in yard. Duncan has turned into an affectionate boy who wants his own person he can love and trust. At only one year old, it will be well worth the effort of continuing to help him become a great companion.

If you would like to learn more about Strabismus or Wall Eye, Google “Strabismus in dogs” or visit this site: Canine Strabismus

Most rescues, like Scottie Rescue of Greater NY/NJ, take in dogs that are in need of vet care which, as we all know, can be expensive. Rescues need support and donations to do their work. Most are 501C3 charities so donations are tax deductible. Please think about making a generous donation to your favorite rescue so they can continue to save and care for dogs like Duncan.

Learn more about Duncan and his pals in Scottie Rescue, volunteer, apply to adopt a rescue, or make a much needed donation. Visit the Greater NY/NJ Scottie Rescue on their Facebook page or their website:

Website: Scottie Rescue
Facebook: Scottie Rescue on FB

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Lee Juslin is a free lance copywriter living in North Carolina with her husband, Scott, and her band of misfits: Tarquin, a Wheaten Scottish Terrier, and three handicapped cats. They can be seen on their website: Hampshire Hooligans. She owns I B Dog Gone, a small embroidery business and is the author of the Nurse Frosty books for children and Frosty’s Story: Tales of a Therapy Dog. She supports a number of national and regional terrier rescue organizations.

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