Ellie

A very special girl!

Born 11/30/25, Ellie and her siblings of the Up litter came to us from a local animal shelter. Ellie is a brown and white terrier mix with adorable floppy ears and the absolutely sweetest personality. Like her movie namesake, she's up for any adventure, big or small, as long as she can share it with her special person.

When Ellie first came into foster care, something felt a little “off.” While her siblings confidently explored the house and yard, Ellie would bump into furniture and fences. She startled easily. She flinched at gentle pets. She seemed timid; not shy, just unsure. Her foster trusted that instinct and we scheduled an appointment with the specialists at Spokane Animal Eye Clinic. Testing confirmed what we suspected: Ellie has low vision.

At her most recent recheck, an ERG showed that her retinas are not functioning properly. They are degenerating, and they are already thinner than at her first visit. Over time, they will lose their blood supply and atrophy completely, meaning Ellie will eventually lose the vision she currently has. The most likely cause is hereditary retinal atrophy. While there is no cure, supplements like Ocu-GLO (which she gets with her dinner) may help slow the progression and rechecks will help monitor any changes.

The good news? As a dog, Ellie isn't focused on what she is losing, and she is not in pain. Retinal degeneration itself isn't painful, though she could develop cataracts in the future which could become uncomfortable (another reason for close monitoring of her condition). Blind and low-vision dogs can live incredibly full, happy lives. They map their homes, memorize their yards, and rely on scent, sound, and trust. Ellie doesn't know she's different, she just knows she feels safest when her world is predictable.

But darling Ellie is far more than her vision condition, and she has so many adventures ahead of her. A mellow puppy with lower energy, she enjoys romps with her siblings and play activities like tug and chew toys (especially noisy crinkle type ones). Ellie walks very well on a leash, too; her foster mom wears a bell on her shoe, and Ellie stays right by her side. She may not see the world clearly, but she can explore it in enormous detail through her ears and nose! Ellie is potty trained, and she sleeps through the night.

However, for this sweet girl, nothing tops snuggles. She adores settling into an extended cuddle time with her person. And she loves when you call her name. Her whole body responds happily, with tippy taps and huge wiggles. Low vision might darken what she sees; it has no effect on her joy.

What kind of home would Ellie thrive in? While her vision requires some adjustments, she would thrive in most homes. Keeping furniture positions consistent would be helpful so she wouldn't have to relearn where things are frequently. She can sometimes miss low level cues from other dogs, so a tolerant dog would be a good companion. She enjoys children, too, and calm introductions allow her to learn with her ears and nose. She would need an adopter committed to monitoring her condition and continuing the Ocu-GLO supplements for her vision. Oh, and don't forget a home with people who want to play tug and go for walks and most importantly, can give her all the snuggles her heart desires!

Ready to adopt? Now what?

Please take 3-4 minutes and complete our application form at: www.lilaccitypupproject.org. Our adoption team will spring into action! You will have a phone call conversation with a dedicated adoption counselor, and the adoption team will contact your vet(s), if applicable. Once you have been matched with a dog, a meet and greet will be set up and take place at the foster family's home. After the meet and greet, there will be a home inspection and in-home trial prior to adoption finalization.

Lilac City Pup Project is entirely volunteer and foster run, with no kennel facility. Only approved adoption applicants will be able to meet our dogs outside of adoption events.

Adoption Donations:

$350 for Puppies up to 9 months

$300 for Adults 9 months or older

*includes spay/neuter, all core vaccinations, and microchip. Your adoption fee may be tax deductible as Lilac City Pup Project is a federal 501c3 organization.

Not sure you want to adopt, foster first and adopt later!

LCPP is always in need of fosters. There is an overwhelming number of dogs who need our help and the more fosters we have, the more dogs we can save. LCPP covers expenses, including food. Fosters provide love and a soft place to crash.

At Lilac City Pup Project we strive to better the lives of vulnerable dogs through rescue, foster, and adoption services; educate dog owners and empower them to build successful human/canine relationships; and support the local community by partnering with shelters facing overcrowding and limited resources.

LCPP is organized exclusively for public, charitable, and/or educational purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. LCPP is a Nonprofit organization formed in Washington State in April 2025, by passionate dog lovers. One hundred percent (100%) of every dollar goes to furthering our tax-exempt purpose.

EIN: 33-4833674