A one-eyed pit bull named Norberta had her luck change for the better around 1,461 days ago when she was saved from a kill shelter. However, the sweet 10-year-old dog has yet to find a place to call home.
Four years later, Norberta lives at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, and is desperate for a loving home to spend her retirement years. Fortunately, Chewy Claus—the pet equivalent of Santa Claus—has stepped in and will cover the cost of her adoption fees.
Meaghan Poillucci, a senior manager for communications and public relations at Chewy, told Newsweek: “She is so sweet and even at 10 years old, she’s happy to go for a short walk but even happier snuggling and getting love.”
Poillucci said Norberta has been overlooked due to multiple medical conditions that required surgery, such as an ulcer in her eye and a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)—a surgical procedure that treats a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in a dog’s knee.
“Medical issues can be seen as unappealing for a potential adopter, and while Norberta has had multiple surgeries to fix most of her issues, she does still need daily and monthly medications to manage her pain and arthritis,” Poillucci explained.
According to Caninearthritis.org, Norberta is not alone, as arthritis is among the most common chronic conditions affecting dogs. An estimated one in three dogs experiences arthritis-related pain.
While there is currently no cure for this condition, numerous treatments are available, including medications, injections, and surgical interventions, which can help manage symptoms effectively. Maintaining a healthy body weight is particularly crucial, as it can significantly reduce joint strain and alleviate discomfort.
While Norberta continues to keep her spirits high, her age also puts potential adopters off. Poillucci explained that her breed also makes “adoption notoriously more difficult.”
Poillucci added that Norberta would best suit a home where she is the only pet. She would need a patient adopter, as she may take some time to trust and love again after spending so long in the shelter.
However, once she is well-acquainted, she loves car rides, so someone who loves a road trip would be a great match.
Not only is the adoption free, but Chewy will also arrange transportation for anyone across the country to meet Norberta in Utah.
Poillucci said: “She may take a short time to warm up to an adopter, but once she is comfortable with you, she’ll love you for life.”
The post Senior Dog With One Eye Looking for Forever Home After 1461 Days in Shelter appeared first on Newsweek.
