Charlie showed up as a stray in very poor condition.  No owner claimed him, and at first he did well, gaining weight and confidence.  Then, unfortunately, he came down with blastomycosis, a soil borne fungal infection.  The blastomcosis settled in his eyes.  As hard as we fought to save his eyes and his vision with medications and treatment, we could not. 

Ultimately Charlie had to have both eyes surgically removed.  He learned to go from being a fully sighted dog to a blind dog.  We've kept him on itraconazole for months now until finally he has tested negative for blasto.  As a preventive measure, it is recommended Charlie stay on itraconazole three more weeks and then, glory hallelujiah he is done with meds and ready to live a happily ever life.

Charlie is very friendly and playful.  He loves snuggling, long walks and toys.  Charlie can be a bit of a bully towards smaller dogs about treats, food bowls and toys.  He wants all the love to himself. 

I think Charlie would do fine in a home with other dogs as long as they weren't smaller than him. 

Charlie needs a fenced in yard or a person dedicated to the task of leash walking him. 

Charlie has adjusted beautifully to being blind.  Here's hoping we can find a wonderful home for him.

Clay County Animal Rescue & Shelter is located at 375 Water Elm Lane, Flora, IL. Our phone number is 618-665-3005.  We are renovating our shelter so hours are by appointment only. 

The typical adoption fee for dogs is $150.  It includes vaccination, deworming , spay/neuter, heartworm testing on dogs of age and microchipping, which is now mandatory by state law.  Some dogs we discount to as little as $50 due to sponsorship.  Some dogs we ask a higher adoption fee, which helps us recoup expenses on heartworm treatment on other dogs.

All cats are spayed/neutered/vaccinated/flea treated/dewormed and microchipped prior to adoption.  Cat adoption fees range from $60-$100.  We spay/neuter/microchip/vaccinate and deworm all kittens and cats, prior to adoption.  Our shyer/less adoptable cats are classed as "barn cats" and are free with a completed/approved barn cat application, which can be found on our website.

For updates on adoption events and more pics of pets available, go to our website, www.claycountyshelter.com or look for us on Facebook.