Fleetwood is a gorgeous Great Dane/Catahoula mix. He is as sweet as can be but a bit timid, perhaps because he is deaf. Like most deaf dogs, it doesn't seem to affect him one bit.  We feel he would do best in a home with older children (13 and up).  You can learn alot about living with and training deaf dogs at www.deafdogs.org.

We rescued Fleetwood, then named Sinatra, from a Seminole County Animal Control.  At the bottom of this page you can view a video I took of him that day. We were contacted by them because they knew we had rescued his brother, Medicine Man, and were devastated when he died from his severe heartworms. Fleetwood looks soo much like his brother and has that same sweet personality, but thank goodness he is heartworm negative. He had been adopted from the shelter by a woman with another deaf dog. She thought they would get along wonderfully, but judging from the teeth marks on Sinatra's head, things didn't go as planned. When Judy tried to take him out, he actually tried to cling to the glass doors of the shelter. He didn't want to go. It tells you something about the good folks at the shelter, doesn't it. They really do care about those pets!

We know a whole lot about Fleetwood because one of our favorite volunteers has had him for several months. She had hoped to adopt him but her move to Nashville and new work schedule proved to be too stressful for out boy. With tears in her eyes, Cassie brought him back, but with tons of information. Here is some of what she has shared with me:

" Fleetwood originally came to PRBJ in April of 2007 as a sick pup. Through dedication, love, diligence, and the incredible knowledge and guidance of Kim Sanella at Murphy’s Premium Pet Food Market in Winter Springs, he regained health, strength, and felt love again.

He had clearly been picked on by other dogs and been the underdog of the situation. Although deaf dogs live wonderful lives and rarely have problems, it is common that they get into trouble because they miss the warning signs from other dogs and trouble ensues. Fleetwood’s past, coupled with his lack of hearing makes it essential for him to be the only dog. He is a young large-breed dog and lacks the social skills to keep him out of trouble.

Fleetwood’s body has been through way too many ups and down as such a young age. Poor quality food and stressful environments are the ultimate culprits of his health issues. He been allergy tested and is extremely allergic to various grains and protein sources. No worries, I have found a good food for him and it is readily available at Murphy’s.

He needs a settled home where he is not fighting for attention. Right now he feels like one of the herd and he is incredibly frustrated. We walk and walk and play and play, but he rarely gets that one on one attention that I know he is craving and absolutely thrives off of.

You know that thing called “Middle Child Syndrome?” I don’t mean to offend anyone (I mean, I know my big sis had a good case of it- that red-headed rebel!) Anyways, I feel that Fleetwood has a major Middle-Child Predicament on his paws.

So, let’s make him the star child and help him feel how loved he really is.

Dogs:Fleetwood has become extremely well behaved with almost all types of dogs since he has been back at the rescue. However, it is important that Fleetwood's new leader establishes dominance early on and practices dog to dog introductions correctly.

Cats:
Fleetwood loves cats and is very respectful of them. I feel that a home with cats is a wonderful option for Fleetwood.

Baths:
Fleetwood does love a nice warm bath. Shampoo CANNOT have any grains in it as he is very allergic. So no soothing Oatmeal Shampoo! Not so soothing to Fleetwood! I suggest an aloe and green tea shampoo/conditioner. After a bath it is best to do an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse over his coat. This will restore the proper pH to his skin and coat. (just a small amount of Apple Cider Vinegar and good amount of warm water so it is not very concentrated.)

Skin:
In higg stress and high anxiety times- he breaks out in dark spots all over. I am still trying to figure this one out.

6/22 Update:
Poor Fleetwood!  He was adopted from us in January by a wonderful woman and all was going great until her life became so busy she didn't feel she could give him the attention that he deserves!  This poor guy just can't catch a break!  He is so good.  Please, won't someone give him a special forever home?