Hepburn Maltese & Chihuahua Mix Irvine, CA

****CEREBELLAR PUPPY AVAILABLE FOR ADOIPTION*****

Cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) in dogs can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, that usually appear shortly after birth or when puppies start walking, around six weeks of age:

• Abnormal balance and coordination: Dogs may have difficulty standing, walking, and controlling their movements. They may also sway when walking, have a wide stance, or knuckle over their paws.
• Tremors: Dogs may experience whole-body tremors or muscle tremors.
• Other symptoms: Dogs may bob their heads, fall over, or have a goose-stepping gait called hypermetria. They may also have twitching eyes, called nystagmus, or lack a menace reflex.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUgiTY2zdeQ

Our little Miss Hepburn is now seven (7) months old… she came to us so tiny and helpless, she could barely stand, had no fur, and acted starved to death. She had been cast out because she was different, but in her loving heart lies a warrior and MRC now her champion! Neurologically, we are told she has an underdeveloped cerebellum with a mild to moderate effect on her balance, primarily when walking or standing. There is no cure, but with practice/ especially now while she’s so young-can help her neural pathways to find ways to compensate

From standing to tiny steps to now running and tumbling on the lawn, our sweet Hepburn has blossomed! Her intellect is not affected so she is very smart! Nor does her condition shorten her lifespan. And she does not require medications.
And with all the rehab and training- just like any 7-month-old puppy- she loves to spend her days playing tug-o-war, lay and rolling on the sunny grass, going on walks, chew treats- but mainly, Hepburn just simply wants to be near YOU! She’s loves people, covering you in kisses, enjoys napping by your side, or riding in her sling to help you shop, or simply snuggling on the couch.

Ideally, Hepburn will thrive in a 1–2-person home (not apt) with an enclosed and level yard, either as the only dog or perhaps with another small dog that would welcome her company. Some dogs can sense she’s a little different and are either more compassionate or more reluctant, which is why those introductions are so important! Preferably, potential adopters would be either retired, work from home, or have a job that would enable them to take Hepburn to work with them.
Hepburn’s personality is so very sweet and trusting, and she works so hard learning to stand and walk on her own! But she does need extra help from us humans: little help getting to her food, offerings of water thru the day, harness and leash for potty breaks and on walks, and just the emotional support and encouragement from her best friend?

She’s a little dog with a big heart?

If you are interested in making a lifetime commitment to this special, differently abled, young girl, please go to malteserescuecalifornia.org and fill out an application.

**EXPERIENCED ADOPTERS ONLY**

No out of state adoptions