The truth is that one of the things we love about Dobermans is their appearance -- the particular visual appeal of their form, their stance, the expectant look in their eye, their movement in play, their motion when running, even the way they look when they sleep.  If we're going be honest, looks are a part of the mystique.

Now having said that, all of us who are true Doberman lovers will look past any physical deficiency, whether from birth, doctor's mods (ears), age, accident, or disease, because we know in our hearts that no matter how they look, they are still Dobermans inside, and that's what we really love, variations in appearance notwithstanding.

You might think that with that opening, there's an apology coming somewhere for the unusual appearance of this boy.  You might think that, but you'd be wrong.

This boy, Cotton by name, is over-the-top gorgeous.  Probably unlike any Doberman you've ever seen, in appearance, he's just full of the dickens, bursting with good will, and brimming with enthusiasm and joy.  It's almost as though the pigment that is absent from his coloration has been transformed into extra measures of all the joyful qualities that Dobermans normally have with the result that he is just an in-your-face love.  He has the "Doberman-lean" down pat; he couldn't leave the photographer alone but had to kiss her while she was trying to photograph him; he pulls on his leash as he tries to get to all that potential fun that is ever a step ahead; he wants to play all the time but will also settle down for cuddling time. You can see from the looks of joy on the faces of the volunteers (and on Cotton) that he is both adorable and adored by all who have had the opportunity to work with him. I feel sorry for the couple who had to surrender him to a shelter because they could no longer afford to keep him, but what a boon for the fortunate one(s) who will make him a cherished member of their family for the future.

Look at the expression on his face as his ears and head are rubbed - can we say ecstasy?  You can almost hear him moan.  Look at that profile shot - what a DoberBabe!  His coat is thick, rich, and luxurious.  And those eyes - Old Blue Eyes had nothing on this boy when it comes to baby blues.  It's safe to say that having once looked well into those liquid orbs, one tends to become, as Olivia Newton-John sang, hopelessly devoted.  Unlike Medusa, who turned to stone those who gazed into her eyes, Cotton's eyes will melt your heart.

Not surprisingly, that which makes him special comes at a modest price. As an albino, he lacks pigmentation and is sensitive to sunlight.  In addition, when Cotton first came to us, he lacked several factors that allow his blood to clot.  Initially this was thought to be a problem that would plague him for life, but thanks to Carol’s unflinching commitment and determination to find a solution if at all possible, and, mostly, thanks to the additional support of many of our adopters and visitors to the site who responded to DRT's appeal for funding for more testing, there is outstanding news to report.

Here’s the good news in Carol’s own words: “Thanks all who contributed to Cotton's appeal as you enabled DRT to have further diagnostic testing done for Cotton that determined that his problem with bleeding was not congenital and therefore not a lifelong condition.  Rather, it was an acquired (consumptive illness) that has, with treatment, been resolved.”

And here is what Carol learned from the veterinarian:“Consumptive means the clotting factor counts were low due to being used up; congenital means that the counts were low due to his inability to make the clotting factors.   The heartworms were stimulating his immune system to cause internal bleeding and he responded by using up his clotting factors which caused the counts to appear abnormally low. Now that the heartworms are gone, his immune system is now once again "balanced," his clotting factor numbers are in the normal range and he should be considered "normal."  (Underlines are the vet’s.)

So, summing up, while Cotton is and always will be an albino, with the accompanying sensitivity to sunlight, etc., the additional, life-challenging complications are resolved as a result of his having been able to undergo extensive testing, funded by your generosity.Without meaning to sound too dramatic, the simple truth is that all who have contributed time, travel, money, and prayers have had a part in saving Cotton’s life, quite literally. Cotton, once near death, is now able to look forward to a long and healthy life.

Practical proof came a few days ago when Cotton had minor surgery to remove a small growth from the back of his leg.  This was performed under local anesthesia to the surgical site without any bleeding concerns.  Clotting times were all normal and he is fine.  It isn't usual for us to rejoice over one of our Dobies having a surgical wound, even if it is the result of a proper and necessary medical procedure, but for Cotton to have a "wound" resulting in a normal reaction and heal time, given his problems when he came to us, is indeed cause for joyful celebration!

Cotton is now looking for a forever home where he will be the only dog or one where he will be with another very settled, laid back dog.

On a very important side note, if you'd like to get a further sense of what sometimes goes into rescuing dogs and to get a sense of the volunteerism, expense, and dedication provided by a substantial number of people, just click on this link:  Cotton's journey.  You'll be impressed. 

Now that you've seen Cotton and some of what he has experienced on his way to a forever home, come by and have a look.  Meet him if you dare, but you'd better be serious about wanting a dog and being able to care for him for the rest of his life, because this boy is going to be next to impossible to walk away from once you've met him.