A DEAF and partially-blind puppy is looking for a foster home with an older guide dog.

Whippet-cross Ivy was born at Dogs Trust, near Darlington, three months ago, and while her six siblings have found homes, she has not been so lucky.

Animal welfare workers at the rehoming centre in Sadberge, County Durham, realised something was wrong with her eyesight as soon as she was born after noticing her eyes were slightly cloudy and saw her bumping into things.

It is thought she has a condition similar to hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, and it is not yet clear whether her health will improve as she gets older.

Staff are urgently appealing for a loving foster home for the puppy, preferably with an older dog who can act as a guide when she is in unfamiliar environments, such as out on walks.

Sue Embleton, rehoming centre manager, said: “Specialist vets have confirmed that she can see movement and responds to light stimuli and that noises are muffled. They’ve told us it’s like she is looking through frosted glass.

“We need to wait a month until her eyes are fully developed before we will know if surgery is possible, and because of her disabilities we are not sure of her life expectancy.

“But she’s a little sweetheart and desperately needs a loving foster carer who will lavish her with home comforts to give her the best quality of life possible.”

The charity will pay for all veterinary treatment relating to her conditions.

Ivy needs a stable, quiet environment with owners who are at home most of the day.

Children should be at least 12 years old and ideally, the family will already have a mature, sociable dog who can help support Ivy.

For more information, or to help, contact the centre on 01325-333114.