A deaf puppy dumped on the side of a busy Brimfield Township road last month is healthy and ready for adoption, Mark Twyford, executive director of One of A Kind Pet Rescue, said Wednesday.
A passer-by found the young Jack Russell terrier mix named Cara in a box on Tallmadge Road near the Rootstown line Jan. 12.
Cara’s story became a media sensation when Brimfield police Chief David Oliver posted the puppy’s picture on the department’s popular Facebook page, which has more than 26,000 followers.
Initially, Cara’s rescuers said she appeared to be a boxer. Jack Russell terriers are considerably smaller than boxers when full grown.
Twyford said the agency has received numerous calls from people who have shown an interest in adopting the dog.
“Due to the high volume of calls we received about Cara following her arrival at the adoption center, it is likely there will be numerous applications seeking to provide her with her forever home,” Twyford said.
The adoption staff will review applications to find the best situation for the special-needs dog, he said.
Being deaf is not Cara’s only special need, said Dr. Meg Geldhof, medical director at One of a Kind.
“In addition to being deaf, Cara, like most Jack Russells, has boundless energy. As a result, she needs to be part of a family willing to both help her bridle that energy and learn an alternative form of nonverbal communication,” Geldhof said.
The agency said an ideal home for the puppy is one with other well-behaved dogs that will teach her proper manners, Geldhof said.
Cara has received treatment for an upper respiratory infection and a hairline fracture in one of her front legs, said Georjette Thomas, One of a Kind’s director of organizational advancement.
Twyford urged potential adopters to look at other animals at the adoption center and retail store.
“Although their personal stories may not be ripped from the headlines, I can assure you that with each lovable face comes, just as in Cara’s case, a decidedly unlovable tale of abandonment,” Twyford said.
The adoption center, located at 1929 W. Market St., Akron, is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. To inquire about Cara, or any other animals at the center, call 330-865-6200 or visit www.oneofakindpets.com.
Kathy Antoniotti can be reached at 330-996-3565 or kantoniotti@thebeaconjournal.com.
