 The story of Sweet Baby James begins early on a Friday morning. NRGRR learns of a shelter in South Carolina that has a young male Golden Retriever that is in need of rescuing. James had been found bumping into barbed wire fences by a local farmer who took him home and kept him safe until animal control could arrive. Surrounded by dogs and children in the home of the farmer, James greeted each with kisses and wags. It was apparent quickly that Sweet Baby James, a young and beautiful boy, was different than other dogs. James is blind!
James was scheduled to be euthanized on that Friday, but NRGRR saved him by welcoming him into our rescue. Fortunately for James, a Triangle resident familar with our group was nearby and offered to bring him to us that very night. By 7:00 pm that evening, James was a NRGRR dog. His new life was just begnning.
A wonderful foster couple brought the poor boy home on Saturday afternoon to introduce James to an entirely new life. The fosters and James were in unfamilar territory as the fosters never had a blind dog and James may have never had a warm place to call home. Challenges like learning the placement of the furniture, location of water bowls, steps, other dogs, and cats greeted James in his new home. The first few days were tough as James was uncertain of his new world. The fosters hand fed James, guided him around the home, and even slept with him on the floor to make him feel safe. James adapted quickly to his new world as documented in these photographs taken by the foster who is a professional photographer. James true spirit emerged and he showed the world that he is a sweet and gentle boy with lots of love in his heart.
James visited a top flight canine opthalmologist immediately in hopes of finding a course of treatment to help restore his vision. Disappointment came quickly as it was determined that Sweet Baby James was in end stage retinal failure. Disappointment turned to heartache as NRGRR learned his blindness was not genetic but caused by fever or sickness that may have snatched away his sight overnight. His disability was immediate and very painful. There is no cure for this brave two year old golden trooper. While he still has the ability to see lights and shadows, these last remaining pieces of his vision will soon fail leaving him totally in the dark. James does not let his vision disable his ability to love unconditionally.
James now starts his journey with NRGRR towards a rewarding life of love and happiness. Many obstacles stand in the way including treatment to fight heartworm infestation. As he takes on these challenges, he will be in the comfort of a wonderful NRGRR foster who will guide him every step of the way. Her own golden retriever, a fellow NRGRR success story who greeted James for the first time by sniffing his eyes, will teach him the ropes of being the best dog possible.
It's a confusing world for this young boy, coming as it has so suddenly. Our mission is to help him accept his new disability, learn to overcome daily challenges, and find him a wonderful forever home. As we begin to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, both two legged and four legged, remember and share this story of Sweet Baby James. The journey for James has begun; we all look forward to the end of another successful rescue story. James is so worth the effort of our fosters and volunteers!
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