heidi

Meet Heidi! Heidi is an incredible little lady who has endured unimaginable trauma, yet somehow remains one of the sweetest, feistiest, most playful dogs you will ever meet.

Abuse and neglect left Heidi with fur so severely matted that it cut off circulation to her feet. When the mats were finally clipped away, what they revealed was heartbreaking. Both of Heidi’s back feet were gone. They were not surgically removed and there were no clean lines or careful stitches. Our veterinarian believes the matting wrapped so tightly around her feet that it slowly and painfully cut them off over time.

But that is only a very small part of who Heidi is.

Heidi greets everyone she meets with enthusiasm. She will walk right up to say hello and from there it is straight out of the book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." If you say hi to Heidi, she will want you to pet her. If you pet her, she will want a belly rub. If you give her a belly rub, she will want to play. Her favorite game is “spicy fingers,” where she gently gums your hands. Once she has had enough playtime, she is more than happy to curl up for snuggles.

Heidi absolutely loves other dogs and quickly claimed Apple, another Haven senior girl with unusable hind legs, as her best friend and favorite wrestling partner. Watching these two dogs who have both been through so much trauma play together without a care in the world is truly awe inspiring. Heidi would love a home with at least one gently playful canine sibling. She’s met cats and barked at them at little, but seems to be able to coexist with them peacefully.

Despite everything she has been through, Heidi is quite mobile and gets around the house surprisingly well. She is learning to use a wheelchair and tolerates it nicely, although right now she has mostly only mastered going backwards. Because of her condition, Heidi cannot navigate stairs and will need a home without steps or a person who can safely carry her outside. Joint supplements will help support her but no medications or prescriptions are required at this time.

Heidi will also need a fenced yard where she can explore, since pavement can be rough on what remains of her hind legs. She is very smart and has already figured out how to navigate to a potty pad and to the water bowl, but she will need a caregiver who can help her move safely through daily life and keep her back nubs clean and protected.

Heidi’s spirit is nothing short of remarkable. She is an endless supply of joy, laughter, inspiration, and love. We cannot wait to see who is lucky enough to welcome this extraordinary girl into their home.

Heidi is approximately 9 years old and 12 lbs.

Fostered in Rockville, MD
Please apply at MirisHaven.org