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Blind, Deaf Puppy in OC Being Trained for Adoption
Photo by fotonomous via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
As if a puppy getting euthanized isn't heart-breaking enough, Cooper, a 4-month-old Australian Shepherd who was two hours away from being put down when he was rescued, is also blind and deaf. The OC Register reports that Cooper was scheduled to be put down in San Bernadino County after being unsuccessfully put up for sale for $50 on Craigslist. Rescuers from the group Lifeline Animal Rescue heard about Cooper and got him a two-day reprieve, and were then able to find a temporary home for him.
His current foster parents and trainers believe that Cooper is the product of uneducated breeding that often results in handicaps, reports the Register.
Now, Cooper is being trained by Lake Forest trainer Tim Welch, who has worked with service dogs in the past and will train the puppy using an electronic collar, and Cooper's sense of smell and touch. Reports the Register:
"He's so full of life, he deserves to live," said [Vanessa Moczulski, Lifeline director]. "There are ways to train him and he can live a full life."
To help financially with Cooper's training or find out how to adopt him (or another puppy), go to Lifeline Animal Services' website.
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