Cairo, a doberman-cross puppy was surrendered by his first owner when he had complications after getting his ears cropped.
The nine-month-old is missing one ear completely and the other is just a nub.
"He looks a little different, but he is awfully cute and very sweet," said Jocelyn Rutgers, a registered veterinary technician with the Ontario SPCA Midland and District Animal Centre. "He certainly doesn't let it affect him and it doesn't affect his hearing."
After recovering at a foster home, where he successfully spent time with young children, Cairo is at the Midland Animal Centre awaiting his forever home.
"Cairo is the sweetest, goofiest, silliest boy. We all absolutely adore him. He has an absolute zest for life. He's enthusiastic in everything he does," said Rutgers.
He should go to a home that has experience with large breed dogs because he is expected to top out at approximately 100 pounds and is very strong.
"We don't know what he is crossed with, but he's certainly doberman, said Rutgers.
Cairo also has Von Willebrand Disease. It is a genetic blood disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. It occurs more frequently with certain breeds. Doberman Pinschers are at the top of that list, said Rutgers.
The good news is that no medication or special diet is required.
"Special precautions need to be taken with owning a dog with Von Willebrand disease. First and foremost, you have to make sure you keep him close by and safe. He loves to play with other dogs but needs to be monitored closely because a simple tooth puncture anywhere on his body would cause bleeding that would be difficult to stop," said Rutgers.
It would be good to avoid off-leash running in forested areas, where he could get cut by a branch, but running on mowed grass areas would be fine, she said, as he does have his hair coat and skin to protect him.
"Where it becomes more challenging is in the future if he requires any kind of surgery, it needs to be done a specialized clinic that would have the capacity to do blood transfusions if necessary," said Rutger.
The adoption fee for Cairo is $585. All his vaccinations are up to date and he has been neutered.
To inquire about Cairo, call the Midland Animal Centre at 705-534-4459 or visit the website: ontariospca.ca/midland/ .The centre is located at 15979 Hwy. 12.
