r/disableddogs

Flo is both blind and deaf and we’ve had her for around 3 years at this point. I’m obviously obsessed with her and she is my soul dog. She is so smart and frankly, much braver than I ever pictured a blind/deaf dog of being capable of. In most arenas, she’s been very trainable, but for some reason, she is just… feral about food still. I think she thinks we can’t see her, but if we’ve left food on a surface, our dog who can see and hear, will NOT touch it, but the second we even look away, Florence goes ham on it. She also is so curious and wants to be in your mouth after you’ve eaten or as you’re drinking. I kind of think it’s maybe just an exploration thing, she really only has the other three out of the five senses. But has anyone ever successfully trained their deaf/blind dog to… leave it? I feel really crazy being 3 years in and not having this one down.

https://gofund.me/5594e970e

This is an urgent appeal.

We are a group of students from California and Armenia, who have created #SaveShun, a grassroots initiative dedicated to improving conditions for stray and vulnerable dogs across Armenia. Our goal is not only to respond to the immediate crisis, but to begin building a more sustainable and humane system of care. We aim to support and repair existing shelters, contribute to the creation of new ones, provide essential medical treatment to injured animals, and ensure that dogs have access to food and basic care. We also hope to assist in rescuing dogs from dangerous environments, including those exploited in fighting operations.

In Yerevan, the number of stray dogs has risen dramatically in recent years, stretching the limits of what local systems can manage. Beyond the capital, in regions such as Lori Province—where many of us have personal ties—the situation is even more severe. Dogs roam the streets without consistent access to food, shelter, or medical care. Many are visibly injured, sick, or abandoned, left to survive in conditions that grow harsher by the day. It is widely acknowledged by local organizations that there are tens of thousands of stray dogs across Armenia.

At the same time, a more disturbing crisis is unfolding alongside this neglect. The rise of illegal dog fighting has introduced a level of cruelty that is difficult to ignore. Dogs are bred, raised, and forced into violent confrontations for profit and entertainment, forming part of an underground system that continues to expand rather than disappear. Animals suffer severe injuries, and many do not survive. Entire breeding operations exist solely to sustain this cycle of violence. Despite awareness of these practices, authorities and local advocates often lack the resources necessary to intervene effectively and rescue the animals trapped within it.

One of the many lives we are trying to save is Honey—a stray dog who was run over last month and is now in urgent need of surgery. (picture attached). Honey’s story is just one among thousands. It is a reminder of how many animals are suffering quietly, without attention or aid.

Faced with these realities, we knew we could not remain passive.

Our team includes:

Mkhitar Hovsepyan- Founder, main organizer (Yerevan, Armenia)

Hayk Muradyan- Co-founder, main organizer (Glendale, CA)

Artyom Minasyan- Secretary, helper (Tashir, Armenia)

Lara Keshishyan- A dedicated helper (Yerevan, Armenia)

Hakob Arustamyan- A dedicated helper (Glendale, CA)

And others…

To begin this work, we are seeking to raise $10,000 or more before June. Without immediate funding, many of these dogs will not survive long enough to be helped. These funds will be allocated carefully and transparently: a significant portion will go toward supporting and expanding shelter capacity, another toward urgent medical care and surgeries, and the rest toward food, daily supplies, and transportation needed for rescue efforts. Every contribution, no matter the size, will directly impact the lives of these animals.

Large-scale, coordinated efforts like this are still rare in Armenia. But we believe that meaningful change often begins with small, determined groups willing to act. Without intervention, the cycle of abandonment, suffering, and euthanasia will continue. With support, however, we have the opportunity to create something different—something better.

What each donation does:

$10 → feeds a stray dog for a week

$50 → covers basic veterinary treatment

$150 → funds sterilization (prevents future suffering)

$500 → helps rehabilitate an injured dog

$1000→ covers renovations at a local shelter

We invite you to be part of that change.

Stand with us. Support #SaveShun

Because no animal should be left to suffer unseen.