STAFF at an animal sanctuary are waiting for a canine fan to call to say they love a blind dog called Stevie Wonder.

Dog handlers at Deerness Kennels, in Langley Moor, County Durham, are caring for the two-year-old black lurcher after he was found abandoned, and are hoping Stevie’s disability will not deter potential owners.

Despite his blindness, kennels staff are hoping to find a loving home for him as soon as possible.

Stevie arrived at Deerness at the end of last month after council dog wardens picked him up, and he remained unclaimed by his owners after seven days.

Despite his blindness, staff said Stevie is very able to get about using his sense of smell and whiskers, although he does occasionally bump into things.

They are hoping he might find a home where there is already a dog, so a sighted canine companion can act as a guide to a blind dog.

Linda Forsythe, who owns the kennels, said: “He obviously can’t see anything, but finds his way around his kennel well. Dogs have a terrific sense of smell – which is much better than yours or mine – which is why a lot of dogs can adapt. He does occasionally bump into things, but this is not often.

“He is just a really nice dog.

We wouldn’t recommend him to a family with small children, or a very busy household, for obvious reasons.

“He might do well in a home with other dogs as sometimes if there is another dog with sight it will act as a guide.”

Stevie’s plight was brought to the attention of The Northern Echo after Val Allan, a volunteer at the kennels, wrote to the paper.

She wrote: “He is a beautiful- looking dog and loves other dogs, so going to a home that already has other dogs would not be a problem. He is such a loving dog with a wonderful, gentle personality. It would be great if someone could foster him, or better still, offer him a loving home before Christmas.”

To help, call 0191-378-0439.