On Tuesday, an Arizona animal shelter announced the arrival of a “lethal white” dog, who is deaf and partially blind, who needs a home. The Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA introduced Facebook followers to Willy, a double merle, and explained the “lethal white” designation.
The animal welfare agency writes:
Most breeders and some shelters will euthanize due to these disabilities, earning dogs the nickname “lethal white.”
Explaining how unscrupulous breeders play into the equation:
Disreputable breeders take the chance because they can sell these rare puppies for more money. With education, it is becoming less as more rescues, like AAWL, are willing to take on the impaired animals.
But Willy isn’t going to be euthanized because of his disabilities. The shelter is hoping to find someone willing to take in a special needs dog. The shelter writes:
Willy is available for adoption at our main shelter. All adoptions are by appointment only. You can see our sign-up on the front page of our website, aawl.org.
Unsure what a double merle is? Deaf Dogs Rock explains:
A double merle is created when two merle dogs are bred together. It doesn’t matter what color merle or what breed they are. If two merle dogs are bred together, each puppy in the litter has a 25% chance of being born a double merle. A double merle inherits the merle gene twice. One copy of the merle gene causes a marbling effect on the coat and creates lighter spots throughout the solid color coat.
Unfortunately, double merles have a high chance of being born deaf and blind because they lack pigment where it would normally be.
You can find the Arizona Animal Welfare League Facebook page here.
Follow the National Animal News Facebook page for more news, updates and petitions.
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