This lovely, a.b.a.n.d.o.n.e.d albino dog might d.i.e from too much direct sunlight, but he was lucky enough to find the appropriate carer.
Sherlock the Schnauzer was born with albinism, a rare hereditary disorder in which the skin lacks pigment. As a result, he’s completely white with sparkling blue eyes. When he was a puppy, his prior owners a.b.a.n.d.o.n.e.d him, and he ended himself in the care of foster mom Netta McKay.
Netta has a lot of fostering experience, so she knew Sherlock would need additional attention. Fortunately, unlike some albino dogs, Sherlock’s albinism has not impaired his hearing or vision. When he goes outside, though, he requires special attention.
When Sherlock goes outside, he must wear doggles to shield his eyes from the light.
“We still need to apply sunscreen and put on his sunglasses since the sun damages his eyes and he’ll be squinting all the time,” Netta says.
Netta also claims that when he’s outside, she needs to keep him in the shade. “He can’t just go outdoors and sunbathe because he’ll get terribly sunburned,” Netta says. “They are more susceptible to sunburn and are more prone to get skin c.a.n.c.e.r, which can be f.a.t.a.l.” We must exercise extreme c.a.u.t.i.o.n.”
In Australia, where he lives, this could be difficult. It means he can go on walks in the late afternoon and on overcast days, which is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Netta and her family fell in love with Sherlock and his “funniest little personality” and peaceful temperament right away, despite not intending to adopt him permanently. Sherlock is now earning the hearts of more people than simply his family.
