Ellen

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Meet Ellen - an extraordinary 9.5-week-old Labradoodle with a heart as boundless as her spirit. Born on August 25, 2024, Ellen is named after the brave and resilient Blind Fair Ellen of Sunnybank, a story that beautifully mirrors her own journey. This tale by Albert Payson Terhune is worth a read, but Ellen's story is one you'll feel with every beat of your heart. Ellen isn't just a typical Labradoodle - she embodies courage and joy in the face of challenges. Weighing just over 7 pounds at eight weeks old, she's expected to grow to around 30-50 pounds. Despite being born blind and deaf, Ellen's world is not defined by limitations; it's one of discovery and love. Her veterinarians confirm that while she cannot see and can possibly only hear minimally, Ellen is not in pain. Instead, she embraces each day with tail-wagging curiosity. Can a dog like Ellen be trained? The answer is a resounding yes. With a gentle, patient approach, Ellen can learn through touch, vibration, and subtle cues like the stomp of a foot or the soft blow of air. It may take time, but every shared success will be an unforgettable moment of connection. Ellen has shown that she can thrive among her canine friends. Living with a group of dogs in her foster home, she's playful and resilient, though she sometimes bumps into others or explores a little too eagerly. A patient, friendly dog who enjoys companionship would be the perfect match for Ellen - one who can accept her quirks and join her in joyful play. Safety and freedom for Ellen come with fenced yards and watchful eyes. In her foster home, she's already learned to navigate her surroundings, finding her way through the dog door to go outside and rarely making the same mistake twice. Her intelligence and sense of smell guide her brilliantly; she even knows to seek out the comfort of her foster family's laundry when she needs security. If Ellen ever goes missing from sight, a peek into the laundry basket reveals her snoozing contentedly. Astonishingly, Ellen has mastered much for her young age. Housetraining has seen great strides, as she learns to go outside on her own or signal when she needs help. She is beginning to understand cues like "Sit" and "Come," showcasing her determination to learn and adapt. Her days are filled with new lessons about the feel of grooming, what is a chew toy and what is not, and how to trust in the hands that guide her. Ellen's journey will be one of shared growth and unwavering love. She needs a home that is calm, patient, and ready to embrace the unique joys of raising a special needs dog. With kindness, consistency, and an open heart, Ellen will fill your life with the kind of love and inspiration that only a dog with her spirit can bring. If you believe you can provide Ellen with the safe, loving home she deserves, please reach out. She's waiting for someone who sees her not just as a dog with special needs, but as the joyful, determined soul she truly is. IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ Click here for the ADOPTION APPLICATION if you are interested in adopting this pet. Applications are the first step in the adoption process. Please do not call or email simply to express interest. We are all volunteers and receiving your application saves us time and helps to determine the best match for both people and dogs. We provide as much information as we currently have on each dog in their description. For questions on the adoption process, including fees, please review the Adoption page. If you have additional questions or are interested in adopting, please fill out an adoption application. Once we receive your application someone will be in touch to answer your questions. We do not arrange visits to meet dogs without an application. If you'd like to meet a variety of dogs without filling out an application please attend one of our events, listed under the events link. Thank you!