When people first meet Josey, they are often astonished to learn she is blind.
Her fierce determination and her mother Colleen’s unwavering support make a lasting impression on everyone she encounters. Together, they have overcome unimaginable challenges.
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Josey’s journey began when she was found abandoned by the roadside in Alabama, alongside her canine companion, Roger. Upon rescue, it was discovered she had suffered a severe head injury which had left her blind.
Initially, it was suspected she might have been hit by a car due to the extent of her trauma, but she bore no other injuries. After receiving initial treatment in Alabama, she was transferred to the Brown Dog Coalition in Massachusetts.
This move revealed the full extent of her ordeal.
Colleen McCarthy, a veterinarian, took Josey in as a foster, helping her heal and adapt. It was during this time that the truth behind Josey’s blindness was uncovered.
She hadn’t been in a car accident; she had been shot in the face, with pellets embedded in her head and ears.
The Brown Dog Coalition confirmed this revelation, noting that the pellets, fortunately, do not need to be removed as long as they don’t cause discomfort.
“After joining her Massachusetts foster mom, @bugsybuttonbellisima, we found out that Josie had been shot in the face,” the BDC team shared on Instagram.
To Colleen’s surprise, Josey settled into her new home smoothly, not requiring any special arrangements despite her past trauma.
“Despite her tragic past, Josie has somehow preserved her sweet and silly innocence. Her presence touches the hearts of everyone she meets,” the BDC noted.
Josey’s resilience is remarkable. She maneuvers through life as if her vision were unaffected, often leaving visitors to believe she can see just fine.
Her adaptation to her surroundings was incredible. In just a few months, she memorized the layout of her home and even learned to use communication buttons, with the button for dental chews quickly becoming her favorite.
“She loves to press the dental chew button; it’s her preferred choice,” Colleen mentioned in a conversation with GeoBeats Animals.
If Colleen was slow to respond, Josey was undeterred, persistently tapping until her need was acknowledged.
Although she cannot see, Josey’s eyes remain strikingly expressive, enhancing her spirited personality. She confronts each day with enthusiasm, never letting her past hardships define her future.
Before long, Colleen realized Josey belonged as a permanent member of her family, marking the start of their inseparable bond.
Since then, Josey has watched many foster dogs come into their home, warmly welcoming each new guest. There is a remarkable affinity between Josey and other dogs, particularly those with disabilities.
“Josey’s been a very welcoming, big foster sister for other dogs with disabilities,” Colleen shared.
One especially close companion was Joey, a blind puppy. Their connection was immediate, full of playful camaraderie and affection. When Joey found a forever home, both Josey and Colleen felt his absence.
Yet, Josey continues to thrive, opening her heart to every new canine arrival, providing them with comfort and companionship. She enjoys serenity in her family’s company when the house quiets down.
Josey’s love knows no bounds, extending to everyone around her—humans, dogs, even cats—and she shares it generously.
Despite the cruelty she once faced, Josey lives her life with joy and resilience, embracing each moment with grace and an open heart, creating a world filled with love and warmth.
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