From: saavik@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Marla Belzowski (K-9's))
Subject: Re: Deaf-Dalmation needs home!
Organization: Purdue University
Distribution: jadpc2
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1992 02:52:24 GMT

In article <1992Nov13.171425.7514@porthos.cc.bellcore.com> adr@troy.cc.bellcore.com (roselli,alicia r) writes:
>In article <9211110641.AA2025@f723.n202.z1.fidonet.org> ELAINE_GALLEGOS@f703.n202.z1.fidonet.org writes:
>>  The deafness in Dalmations is not the same as deafness in humans.
>>Deaf humans for the most part have ear problems alone.  Deaf
>>Dalmations have a nerve condition that is degenerative.  It start out
>>with simple deafness, progressing into brain degeneration.  This dog's
>>brain is already fried.


First of all, yes, deafness in dalmatians is usually due to nerve problems.
This particulat dog however, it was do to a brain leision.    This
dog's brain is not fried.  He is by far better at obedience than many
dogs I have known.  
In truth, he is a good dog.  I would ttake him if I have the room, but
living on college money in a small rental house isn't enough.

>>  It is totally irresponsible to be talking about placing this
>>pathetic thing in a family home.  SIX families already.  How many
>>people does this represent who opened their homes and hearts to a dog
>>that they were led to believe was adoptable?

Who are you to say he isn't.  He's been thought six homes because he lives
on a college campus.  A Ffew prospective owners lived in appartments
and he got evicted.  (Owner's faults not the dog's fault).


>>  I understand that at least Some of the people envolved felt the dog
>>could adjust if only it had the right situation.  It was just that
>>their Best efforts were never enough.  Stop this now.  Put that
>>pitiable animal out of it's misery, and stop running good people in
>>circles.
>>--- FMail 0.92
>> * Origin: HILLCREST COMMUNITY BBS, SAN DIEGO. HST 619-291-0544 (1:202/703)
>
>I'm not sure about anyone else, but I'd have a hard time taking such
>harsh advice from someone who can't even spell DalmatiAn...
>


First of all, I've been his instructor for a year and a half.  He
was part of a breeding experiment with deafness in dalmatians.  I know
he has some pointer in him (1/32 or so)  but I believe he is a registered
dalmatian.  The breeder in this area that was doing the research hasn't
been located yet.  So far Loki is one of the better obedience dals
I have seen.  He is only just two.  He went through 6 homes before
he was 7 months old.  The first home didn't want a deaf dog, period.
The second home was a believe a vet student that graduated and left
him at the vet school.  From there I don't know what happened.  

He could pass a sub-novice obedience trial (we did this in classes)
well within the passing ranges.  He is house trained, good tempered,
loving, and easy-going.

By the way, he will be put down Tuesday if a place can not be found
for him.  His current owner who must regrettably give him up (due
to her new baby being ill and not having time to spend with him) 
has determined that he will not be put up for adoption at a shelter
because it is too cruel for him to get a home where he isn't
understood.  

I consider Loki a very adoptable dog.  He is trained and does respond
(when he sees the command).  That's better then most dogs you find in
a shelter.

---------------
Marla Belzowski    saavik@mentor.cc.purdue.edu
Mauii Nikki Belzowski CD CGC TDI CERF
Brittish Legend of Beowulf CD CGC TDI CERF
Legend's Year of Jubilee