Belka

About Belka

Please note - we do not rehome dogs to families with children under the age of 10.

Pretty, dainty Belka meets every new day with joy in her step. Partially sighted, born c. 2022, and neutered, this lovely little lady of only 12kgs is currently in foster in Norfolk.

Belka’s looks and cheerfulness hide her secret: she has fought for her life. In 2024 she was found by the side of the road, lying in her own blood. Her rescuer thought she was dead, but “then she looked at me with tearful eyes, as if silently asking for help.”

Belka was rushed to the vets, where she received emergency care, examinations, and scans. The conclusion was horrifying — someone had brutally beaten her and left her by the roadside to die.

Belka slowly recuperated; it took some months before she was able to stand again, to walk, and eventually to run. Now she happily runs around (medium energy level), with the other dogs in the shelter.

As a result of severe blows to her head, Belka suffered a brain hematoma and was left with limited vision. Belka is not completely blind, she has some vision in one eye and can distinguish shapes and shadows. Despite her vision impairment, she still has the most gorgeous conker-coloured eyes that often seem to be looking deeply into yours.

Belka has epileptic seizures roughly once a month. These are short, usually lasting around 1 minute, and sometimes she is a little disorientated afterwards. Belka takes the medication phenobarbitone for the seizures and is considered relatively stable.

Recently, Belka has gone two months without a seizure.

Living in a private shelter isn’t ideal for a little lady with epilepsy, so we are hoping there is a special home out there who will just put in a little extra effort and love to give Belka the life she fought for.

We also anticipate that Belka’s seizures may improve once in a stable home.

Belka is good with other dogs but hasn’t had the opportunity to meet cats.

Belka can wear a collar and harness; she is learning to walk on a lead and is being a very good girl. Belka doesn’t have experience of living in a home, so is looking for a family who are happy to provide training and guidance while she settles into UK life.

Despite everything she has been through, Belka is a cheerful, gentle, playful loving girl and full of life and joy. Belka loves to run around the yard, responds to her name, and really enjoys cuddles and human attention. She’s a truly lovely dog. She defies being defined by what happened to her.

Her rescuer says, “my only wish is for Belka to find her own home and a family who will love her”. To give Belka the chance she deserves – a happy life - because she has already survived what should have been certain death. She deserves only the very best.

Type of Home Sought

Belka is looking for a loving home where she is a member of the family. She would love a garden she explore and run around in.

Belka hasn’t lived in a home before, so is looking for understanding Adopter(s) who are happy to provide training and guidance while she settles into her new life.

Experience with seizures or a willingness to learn will be required.

As written by Blind Dog Rescue UK.