When an unscrupulous dog breeder discovered a blind puppy in the litter, the future of the little dog was grim. However, the Boston terrier, now known as Stevie, is living with a foster family from Humble Hounds Animal Rescue, a foster-based, all-breed, no-kill animal rescue serving Chester County and surrounding areas.

"Stevie was saved from a local breeder who wanted her gone because he could not sell her," said Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick, the founder of Humble Hounds. "She is safe now."

Fitzpatrick founded the rescue in 2020 after volunteering at LaMancha Animal Rescue in Coatesville. "I got my experience from LaMancha. I was involved with all aspects of rescue," she noted.

Currently, Humble Hounds is in need of foster families to care for rescued dogs until their permanent homes can be found. Further, Fitzpatrick wants to have a building where rescued animals can be housed and where meet-and-greets can be held with potential adopters. She is hoping that a local resident or business owner would be willing to donate a small plot of land for the building.

"We need a physical location. Right now, we are hoping and dreaming that it comes to fruition," Fitzpatrick said. "We don't have a huge following because (other rescues) have been around for years and years. They have people who donate on a regular basis, and those with a physical location can take in more dogs. Once we get the land, we would start a capital fundraiser to build. It's a big ask, but maybe someone has a soft spot in their hearts for rescued dogs."

Most of the animals rescued by Humble Hounds are transported to the area from states in the South. "We have helped a few local owner surrenders, but most of the time we pull from the kill shelters down South where (the dogs) are facing euthanasia," Fitzpatrick said.

Dogs rescued by the organization are posted at http://www.petfinder.com. Since its formation, Humble Hounds has rescued 175 dogs and found them permanent homes.

Fitzpatrick noted that Stevie is available for adoption and that the potential adopter should be willing to deal with the special needs of a blind dog. "We took her to one of our vets, who confirmed her blindness is likely congenital; she is not in any pain and is otherwise a healthy pup," said Fitzpatrick. "Her other senses are heightened. She wants to play with toys and run, and she loves playing with other dogs. She is amazing to watch. In the foster home, she found the food and water (bowls) in less than two minutes. She is remarkable. The toughest part will be potty training."

Other puppies available for adoption from Humble Hounds include Jack, a Plott hound and shepherd mix, and his sister, Bailey. Both are socialized with other dogs and humans and are up-to-date with vaccines.

For more information about Humble Hounds, to complete a foster or adoption application, to view adoptable pets or to make a monetary donation, visit http://www.humblehounds.org. More information is also available at http://www.facebook.com/humblehoundsanimalrescue.

Humble Hounds is planning two Valentine's Day fundraisers: a photo shoot and a gourmet cupcake sale. Complete details about both events are available on the Facebook page.