For most of his life, Stevie knew nothing but the end of a chain in a South Carolina backyard. Along with another dog named Wonder, he spent nearly eight years confined, blind and neglected, with no comfort beyond the dirt beneath him.
That all changed when the Lancaster County SPCA stepped in. Working with rescues including Diamonds in the Ruff in New York, they made sure Stevie would finally have the chance at the life he deserved.
When he first arrived, Stevie’s condition told the story of his hardships. He was blind, battling fleas and worms, missing patches of fur, and struggling with a dangerous blockage in his intestines — caused by an old corn cob he must have scavenged while desperate for food. He underwent surgery and began a long road to recovery with the help of his foster mom, Erin Boyd.
At first, Stevie didn’t know how to trust.
“He slept most of the way [home], but would start growling and barking every so often in his crate,” Boyd recalled. “When we got home, we brought the crate inside, and he would not come out. We were extra careful, knowing he could not see and us not knowing him yet.”
But slowly, healing and kindness worked their magic. The once-fearful dog began to show his true self — affectionate, playful, and eager to soak in every new experience. His foster family got to witness many of his “firsts,” but none were quite as special as the day Stevie discovered his very own bed.
Likely having never felt anything soft to lie on, Stevie placed his paws on the cushion, and his whole body lit up. Overcome with joy, he began bouncing with excitement, leaping and celebrating the comfort that was finally his.
Now, every time he finds a bed, Stevie can’t resist doing his happy little jumping routine before curling up for a nap.
“He jumps, will sometimes chew on a toy a little bit and then passes out,” Boyd said with a smile.
Despite his blindness, Stevie has quickly learned to navigate his foster home with confidence.
He knows his way from the backyard to the house, waits in the kitchen for treats, and even hops onto a small ottoman so he can climb into bed with his foster mom.
His days are filled with snuggles, squeaky toys, kisses, and walks — all the simple joys he missed out on for so long.
“He’s so smart,” Boyd said proudly. “He learned very quickly how to navigate through my house … He loves to snuggle, go for walks, chew on squeaky toys and give kisses!”
Now fully recovered, Stevie is searching for a forever home. He needs to be the only pet and would thrive with someone who spends plenty of time at home — someone ready to give him all the love and comfort he was denied for so many years.
“[Someone] that will just spend time snuggled up on the couch with him, take him on walks, let him soak up the sun and give him lots of love,” Boyd said.
After eight long years in chains, Stevie finally knows what it feels like to be safe, loved, and cared for. With his bed beneath him and hope in his heart, he’s ready to start the next chapter of his life.
If you’re interested in adopting Stevie, you can contact Diamonds in the Ruff for more information.
