____________________________________________________________

Koa is a special needs dog who came to us from a hospice situation at a shelter. His name means warrior, and it is fitting considering that he has survived all the world has thrown his way! Someone gave up on him, and he was found as a stray. He is blind, was heartworm positive, and was born with something called a valgus deformity in his legs. Koa is being evaluated by an ophthalmologist to see if any of his vision can be restored in his right eye. We know he will be completely blind in his left eye for the remainder of his life.  His valgus deformity is genetic and cannot be corrected. It could cause him to develop early arthritis, but so far he doesn't seem to exhibit pain in his joints. Additionally, we expect him to fully recover from his heartworm diagnosis with the treatment he is currently undergoing.

Koa is not overly food motivated, but if you are making his breakfast, he may counter surf a bit. A bit meaning he may jump onto the counter to supervise! He is crate trained though he prefers to be with his foster mom, and he is doing well with the resident Aussie. He also gets along well with the chihuahua and doesn’t mind having a snake in the aquarium nearby! Unbelievable for a Malinois, right? They mostly co-exist, and we are not sure if that will change should he regain his sight. Might he want to play? That is a question for the future.

Though he faces a lot of challenges, Koa is a sweet Malinois who still enjoys life once he is given an opportunity to get to know his surroundings and feel comfortable with the physical space and people. He will need a special adopter who can love him well and be patient as he learns that the world can be a kind place. 

ABMR thanks you for taking the time to look at our malinois available for adoption.