Libby is a sweet and lively 10 years old Jack Russell Terrier who came into Oldies Club care in December 2022 as her owner had sadly passed away.
When Libby first arrived in Oldies Club care she was clearly blind in one eye as it was white but the other was bulging dangerously as she was suffering from glaucoma. She was quickly taken to the vets for an overall health check which was good and then booked in to have her eye removed. The operation was successful and Libby must have felt relief from the removal of the discomfort that it must have caused her. She didn’t seem at all bothered by her wound. Once she had recovered she underwent a dental and then was signed off as ready to be rehomed.
Libby doesn’t like to be left on her own too much, doesn’t like other dogs in her close vicinity and also being blind meant a very special home was needed for her. Despite being cute and receiving a few applications of interest nothing suitable was found for the lovely girl. After spending two years in Oldies Club care it was decided that it was fairer on Libby with her disability and anxiety issues be placed in our sponsor dog scheme. This means she will remain in her lovely foster home on a permanent basis, with the charity paying her vet bills for the rest of her life.
Libby adores people. She can be left for a short time when necessary but she feels safer when she knows someone’s there with her. She has been left for 3 hours and was OK, just extremely pleased when her foster carer returned! Her fosterer will take Libby with her to visit family and she enjoys this. She’s recently had a family Christmas with a full house and was loving all the attention. When she barks in excitement her front feet lift off the floor, as if to give her bark more momentum. Once she realises someone wants to pet her, her tail goes into overdrive, she likes meeting people, especially if getting fussed over!
Libby loves toys. She is very fond of her snuffles mats which exercise her brain as well as getting rewarded with yummy treats. Libby also adores squeaky toys – the squeakier the better!
Being blind Libby stays on the lead for walks but she absolutely adores them. She doesn’t pull but she does zig-zag, which is usual for partially sighted dogs. She gets very focussed on interesting smells and will sometimes go back to double check an especially good one. She responds well to simple commands such as ‘up’ or ‘down’ when navigating a step or a kerb, ‘mind’ to avoid obstacles and ‘good girl’ when she is going in the right direction. She’s used to having 2 walks a day of about half an hour each, however, she’ll want to cut that short if it’s bad weather. She’s an intrepid explorer but she’s not daft!
Libby enjoys sunbathing. If she can fine a sunbeam she will happily spend time soaking in the warmth and sometimes take a little snooze as well.
Due to now having a kidney condition Libby’s diet is quite restricted. She cannot have traditional treats but loves carrots, banana, apples pears and melon. Basically, any food as she is very food motivated.
Libby’s foster carer says: “Libby is cheeky; noisy when excited or wants your attention; affectionate and nosey. Libby is a delight, and has taken changes in her stride. She is a robust little girl who, according to the vet, could have a long life as long as her diet is adhered to. She was jumping up on the couch within 2 hours of arriving at her foster home, and is quite fearless as long as you tell her it’s OK to jump up and down from the sofa. She is a typical Jack Russell: a massive personality in a small body.”
If you would love to offer a home to an oldie but your circumstances aren’t suitable, perhaps you would be kind enough to sponsor Libby, or one of the other special oldies we are caring for in our sponsor dog scheme.