Zape

About Zape

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

Zape is a lovely, gentle, blind golden oldie estimated to be around 11 years old. He weighs 21kgs and is in foster in Derbyshire with two teenagers, two other dogs and three cats.

Zape was rescued from a hoarding case in Spain and moved into Spanish foster before coming to the UK. He was in very poor condition when rescued as he wasn’t fed regularly or treated for parasites. His former owner was aware of his blindness but did not seek further veterinary treatment.

Zape’s blindness has now been investigated. He has been diagnosed with bilateral mature cataracts. Unfortunately, his retinas are non-functional so the vet has advised against cataract surgery, as his sight would not be restored.

But don’t let Zape’s blindness phase you - he is very quick to master the layout of his new surroundings and although he will bump into you from time to time, he is more than happy as he is.

Zape still enjoys having a little play with the other dogs, loves a belly rub and enjoys tearing up an old blanket or toy. He has never damaged anything he shouldn’t, however - he’s a very discerning and clever chap.

Zape is calm and confident and is happy to take cues from other dogs in the house. Ideally, he would live with another calm dog companion, but he would also be happy as an only dog, taking his cues from humans. Zape paws you when he wants something and is more than happy to bump into you or invade your personal space on the sofa!

Initially Zape was nervous of the cats in his UK foster but now lives comfortably alongside them. Zape is best living with dog-savvy, confident cats.

A total cuddle bug, Zape is rather needy emotionally, absolutely thriving on his strokes and cuddles and resting his head in your lap and going to sleep. But he’s a confident boy, throwing himself into life and not nervous at all - he is very trusting of strangers and doesn’t mind at all if you vacuum right next to him!

Zape responds to his name and has good recall (in the house and garden), once he has orientated your voice.

Zape is housetrained and sleeps through the night.

Zape is used to living in a home environment, both in Spain and here in the UK. In summer he enjoyed free access to wander round the garden during the day, choosing cool spots for a snooze.

Zape travels well in the car but prefers not to go out for a walk because he can become a little disorientated. He much prefers just to potter around at home and in the garden.

Zape is still a handsome man with a gentle demeanour, sweet white paws and softly wagging tail, but his difficult earlier life means he is a little rough around the edges: his left ear is completely shredded, his eyes milky from the cataracts and he has a few scars on his nose. But Zape’s new people will love him just as he is and appreciate his beautiful contentedness… his happiness in his own skin and his enjoyment of his simple life. Zape is a quiet inspiration!

All this lovely older gent really wants is a sofa of his own.

Type of Home Sought

Zape is looking for a calm home where he can relax, sleep in a comfy bed (or sofa) and have plenty of cuddles with his person/people. A loving home with a garden to potter in and some nice food is all he wants.

Ideally he would have a dog companion, but he’d be quite happy as an only dog too.

Zape can live with confident cats.

Zape could live with calm children.

As written by Blind Dog Rescue UK.