Herald and Gerald. Photo: Rancho Coastal Humane Society
ENCINITAS–Herald and Gerald, a bonded pair of blind, 13 year old Chihuahua / Dachshunds, lived in a wire crate for seven months before being transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) through the Friends of County Animal Shelters program.
On Wednesday afternoon, they moved into their newly remodeled “Cottage Kennel” as they wait to be adopted.
“Herald and Gerald were abandoned by their family in Imperial County about ten months ago,” says Kathy Zerkle, V.P. of RCHS Adoption Services. “They were picked up and taken to a shelter where they lived in a wire crate for the next seven months. We saw their living conditions and asked to have them transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society. We made them comfortable, but they needed more.”
Herald and Gerald have been staying in a standard size kennel. An RCHS supporter made a donation to have the kennel remodeled with a white, picket fence, an artificial turf “restroom,” and other amenities to accommodate for their special needs.
Zerkle says Gerald is “top dog.” He greets visitors in the kennel and rolls on his back to remind care providers to rub his tummy. Herald is shy. He follows Gerald’s lead.
Herald and Gerald new kennel. Photo: Rancho Coastal Humane Society
Zerkle says, “After seven months in a crate, they forgot what ‘normal’ is. They forgot how to play with toys. They forgot what it’s like to be loved. Now they’re getting lots of attention. It’s great to see the joy come back to them. Their new kennel will provide even better exposure to the public.”
As a bonded pair, Gerald and Herald need to be adopted together. They will do best in an adult home where their new family will give them encouragement and time to settle in at their own pace.
If you’ve ever had a blind dog, or you’re willing to learn, meet Gerald and Herald. The adoption fee is $75 for both of them.
If it’s not a good time to adopt you can make a donation or sponsor pets until they are adopted. https://rchumanesociety.org/give/sponsor-a-pet/
Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas is open 11 to 5 every day but Tuesday.
For more information call (760) 753-6413, or visit www.sdpets.org.
