River and Smokey have been together since they were puppies. Now older the two German Shepherds have become each other’s eyes and ears. Smokey has lost his sight and River his hearing. Now the two are in foster care in Bloomington, Minnesota and are looking for a new family that can take them together.
Smokey and River’s previous owner was forced to sell his house last month and was unable to keep “his boys.” Their owner contacted Ruff Start Rescue, who took the best friends in and promised their owner they would stay together. “They will not leave here without each other,” said Tara Boals, their foster mom. “If they have to stay here forever, until they are no longer with us, then that’s what’s going to happen. But I want them to go somewhere where they can be together.”
While Boals would happily keep the boys as long as necessary her home is not ideal for them. The boys would do best in a quieter home with no stairs because of Smokey’s blindness. He is easily startled by Boals’ other dogs. Smokey went blind about two years ago, and River lost his hearing around the same time. The two rely on each other to get around. “Smokey will follow the sound of River’s breathing, and River will come back to check on Smokey to make sure he gets out,” said Boals. He doesn’t even like to go out to the bathroom without his brother!”
To find out more about adopting Smokey and River visit Ruff Start Rescue’s website. If you would like to make a donation to help pay for their care until they find a home you can do so here.
