werthers

Meet Werthers! This sweet man is one of the most resilient dogs we've ever met, and that's saying something.

This little fella arrived at a city shelter as a small and broken stray whose ruptured eyeball hung from its socket in pieces. The kind of sight that makes your stomach rise in your throat because you can’t quite believe a creature so gentle could have been allowed to suffer that deeply. What makes it all the more devastating is knowing that only a year ago he had been adopted out from the very same shelter ~ bright-eyed, sweet-faced, and perfectly healthy. Somewhere along the way, he slipped into a kind of quiet hell that no dog should ever experience.

In his short time with us, Werthers has undergone a transformation so absolute it feels almost mythic. His damaged eye and the tumor hidden behind it have been removed, freeing him from the pain he endured in silence. He has been bathed, gently groomed, and wrapped not only in warmth but in the kind of care that tells him his life has value.

These days, Werthers can often be found wrapped in his brand new soft, cozy blanket, snuggled up with his favorite lamb toy, looking like a dog who is just beginning to understand that comfort can be his, too. He loves fluffy warm beds and has been known to burrow under them and flip them around to make sure they're just right. While he spends a lot of time snoozing in them, he makes sure to throw his foster mom a party every time she comes home. And while he doesn't need a ton of exercise, he loves sniffing around the yard and exploring.

Werthers enjoys attention and affection but isn't demanding - he'll happily hang in his bed nearby when you're busy (as long as it's fluffy and warm, of course). He gets along well with other dogs as long as they respect his personal space - if not, he'll correct them with a grumble or a little bark. He enjoys meeting new people and taking little excursions with his foster mom. His ideal home will be generally calm and quiet so he can snooze his snoozes in peace.

Werthers is a well-behaved, easygoing gentleman. He's great on the leash and in the car, sleeps through the night, and doesn't mind staying home while his humans are out. He is housetrained and will do his business outside, though h hasn't yet learned to communicate when he needs to pee so it's best to let him out regularly to avoid accidents. Werthers is crate-trained and can go up and down a few stairs, but will need a helping hand for now if a full staircase is involved. He promises to repay your assistance with gentle kisses!

Despite everything he's endured over the last year, 2026 is looking brighter than ever for this senior citizen. All he needs now is a forever home where he will finally, finally be truly cherished.

Werthers is approximately 12 years old and 12 lbs.

Fostered in Rockville, MD
Please apply at MirisHaven.org