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sperate need of help. Estimated to be around 8 years old, she was fragile, hurting, and in rough shape. The shelter staff lovingly named her Iris, and they did far more than most shelters are able to.
They removed her bulging eye, spayed her, removed mammary masses, microchipped her, and brought her up to date on all her vaccinations. But Iris needed even more care—care that required a specialist.
You see, Iris became our third dog this year needing a total ear canal ablation (TECA) due to years of untreated, painful ear infections. Her ears were so damaged that both needed surgical removal of the canals. Once she recovered from her initial surgeries, we took her to Veterinary Specialty Hospital (VSH), where specialists scheduled her for TECA surgery on her left ear, which was in the worst condition.
Her recovery, unfortunately, was anything but smooth. The infection in her ear was resistant to every antibiotic they tried. Her foster family made several trips back to the hospital, but despite everyone's best efforts, the infection wouldn’t clear. Eventually, her left ear had to be completely removed. With her left eye and left ear both gone, you might expect Iris to be crushed in spirit—but not this girl.
Iris is a fighter. She is resilient, gentle, and full of love.
Once she’d regained strength, the doctors moved forward with surgery on her right ear. The recovery this time was also challenging. She suffered from vestibular issues—her balance was off, her head tilted, and for a while, she couldn’t stand without falling or walking in circles. It took a week for her to start walking normally again. Then the stubborn infection returned, causing the sutures on her ear to reopen. Her ear had to be flushed and treated again.
But Iris never gave up—and neither did we.
After more than a month of healing, her e-collar finally came off. She was so happy to be free from the “cone of shame.” Today, her balance is back, and she walks just fine—though her head still tilts slightly, which honestly just adds to her charm.
Through all of this, Iris has remained nothing but sweet, patient, and loving.
Despite everything she’s endured, she still responds to sound—her hearing is similar to what we experience underwater, and she picks up on vibrations. She’s currently in a loving foster home with other dogs, and she gets along wonderfully with her canine siblings. She’s doggie door trained, rides great in the car, and has no bad habits—no jumping on people or furniture, no chewing, and no digging.
Our one-eyed, one-eared princess is truly a unique treasure. She has overcome more in a few months than most dogs do in a lifetime—and yet she continues to love with her whole heart.
So now, Iris is ready for her next chapter.
Could that be with you?
Are you looking for a special companion with a story of resilience, strength, and endless love? Do you want to give a deserving dog the life of luxury, comfort, and affection she so richly deserves?
If so, please head over to our website and complete an application to adopt Iris - .bostonbuddies/adoption-application/
Adoption Donation: $300
View more photos on our Facebook page .facebook/BostonBuddiesInc