Wangaretta is a lethal white blue merle Australian Shepherd male. He is mostly white, with a few spots near his back end. He is both deaf and blind, but actually gets around quite well. I think it is easy to underestimate his abilities, but don’t let the lack of hearing and vision make you think less of him. He uses his nose a lot, and I noticed he has more trouble navigating in our backyard after a rain, so he must be highly scent dependent.

Wangaratta NS1018

He will come to vibration (we stomp our foot or clap loudly) and can also sit and down. He is so exceptionally smart, that I think he would out do Wanderoo if he wasn’t a little limited with the vision. He is also very laid back, mellow, and just a fluffy lover boy. I think he could definitely learn to follow your scent on a walk, and he is able to navigate a full flight of stairs with no problem. Because of his underdeveloped eyes, he might have to be watched in the sun, but other than that he is very healthy (and a terrific eater!).

NS 1018 Wangaretta

NS 1018 Wangaretta

He is the biggest of the bunch- a week ago he was 15.1 pounds. I really think given his personality and his smarts he will make a very, very good pet, so don’t count him out. Unlike most Aussies, he would likely do well in a small house or apartment. He spends lots of time sitting in my lap as I work on the computer- and that might become a problem when he reaches his full 45-50 pounds!

Special Needs/Lethal White Information

• Lethal Whites
• Yahoo Groups for Special Needs
• Amazing Aussies
• Living with Handicapped Pets
• Deaf Dog Activities
• Deaf Dogs
• Blind Dogs
• Lethal White Rescue (Yahoo Groups)

Wangaretta is being fostered in Central Illinois. Complete an application at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 1018.