Epileptic dog struggling to find forever home in Kelowna

A Kelowna dog has been unable to find a forever home due to his condition, but a local non-profit organization hopes someone will come forward and adopt this special animal.

Dozer is a two-year-old Shepard mix, suffers from epilepsy and has been waiting for more than a year to find a forever home. Due to his condition, rescue group Paws it Forward Dog Rescue has been unable to find Dozer a forever home. The pup loves to swim, spend time with people and makes a great buddy for a busy and active person, as he is not a fan of being left alone.

During the course of his short life, Dozer has been learning to deal with his epilepsy and since his diagnosis, he has been taking medication to prevent seizures from happening.

“It’s hard to say, but it is believed he may have a seizure every now and then for the rest of his life. There is nothing in particular that triggers them and he will need someone who is comfortable with them and able to help him when needed,” said a Paws it Forward representative.

Dozer has spent a lot of time working to deal with his condition, which includes some shyness, and the tendency to hide when he is uncomfortable. Once he is in a stable home, with positive interactions, Paws it Forward believes he will learn to trust others and become more comfortable.

Dozer has learned simple commands and is a quick learner but needs to be in a calm environment. Paws it Forward says it is looking for a family to take on Dozer as a forever foster, or adopt him right out. The organization says it will pay for medication for Dozer to help with the financial burden adopting a pet with a condition can bring if he goes to a forever foster home.

“Being that his epilepsy is not triggered by anything, we prefer that he is not in a home with young children. Epilepsy is non-life threatening and will not shorten his life nor hold him back.”

Dozer needs to be in a home without children and is cat-friendly. He is mostly good with dogs, but can be choosy when deciding who is a friend.

If you are unable to help Dozer, there are other ways to help, Paws it Forward is in desperate need of foster homes as they have a long list of dogs waiting to come into care, but they cannot take any dogs until homes are secured.

Fostering a dog is a simple process. Interested applicants contact the organization, and an orientation and information session will follow. Prospective foster parents will learn about the foster process and will be supplied with all information they would need. To learn more about Dozer or to volunteer, visit the Paws it Forward website.