Adopting a dog with special needs is never easy, and when it comes to finding a home for dogs with disabilities, the challenge only increases. Now, imagine trying to find a loving home for not just one, but three blind dogs—a mother and her two pups. The odds of all three being adopted together seemed slim. Many potential adopters shy away from the responsibility of caring for animals with disabilities, especially a bonded family. Yet, for one woman, these three special dogs weren’t a challenge—they were an opportunity for love.
Lindsay Devers and her husband had always been animal lovers, and after buying their first home, they knew it was the perfect time to expand their family with rescue dogs. Little did they know, they’d soon stumble upon a family of blind heelers that would not only change their lives but also inspire an entire community to rally around them.
When Lindsay came across the trio—mother Bella, along with her son Bear and daughter Tres—on the Nevada SPCA website, something about their story touched her deeply. She knew immediately that these dogs were meant to be part of her family, despite the challenges ahead.
“On April 20, 2015, my husband and I made one of the best decisions of our lives when we welcomed a family of three blind heelers into our hearts and home,” Lindsay shared on her GoFundMe page. “We had been searching for the right rescue dogs, and as soon as we saw Bella, Bear, and Tres, we just knew there was something incredibly special about them.”
The three blind dogs had been nicknamed “The Three Blind Angels” by the Nevada SPCA staff. Despite their unique circumstances, the dogs had gained a bit of fame during their nearly year-long stay at the shelter. They were well-known among the shelter’s volunteers and even some local families, but no one had been willing to take on the responsibility of caring for all three, let alone for dogs with such significant special needs.
The Nevada SPCA worked tirelessly to care for the dogs while they awaited adoption. Still, many potential adopters hesitated at the idea of taking in even one blind dog, let alone three. Bella, Bear, and Tres needed a home where they could receive extra attention and care, something the shelter staff knew might take time to find.
“Many people recognized them, but no one stepped forward,” Lindsay told KTNV in an interview. “They were just waiting for someone who could see past their disabilities and give them a chance.”
That someone turned out to be Lindsay, who never saw their blindness as an obstacle. Instead, she saw it as an opportunity to give three incredible dogs the love and support they deserved.
Lindsay and her husband wasted no time making their home a safe and welcoming environment for their new furry family members. With extra accommodations in place, like padded furniture corners and clearly marked paths, Bella, Bear, and Tres quickly adjusted to their new surroundings. Despite being blind, they were incredibly resilient and quickly learned to navigate their new home.
The bond between the dogs and their new family grew stronger with each passing day. Bella, as the mother, took on the role of protector, always watching over her pups, even though she, too, was blind. Bear and Tres were playful, loving dogs who seemed to thrive in their new environment.
Not long after settling into their new life, Bella encountered a serious health issue that would require immediate attention. One day, Lindsay noticed something was wrong with Bella’s right eye, which appeared to be severely infected. It seemed to have developed overnight, and Lindsay quickly took Bella to the vet for an evaluation.
What they discovered was heartbreaking. Bella was suffering from increased ocular pressure in her right eye, causing her immense pain. The only way to relieve her suffering was to remove the eye surgically. However, the vet warned that Bella’s remaining eye was also at risk, and in order to avoid further surgeries, it would be best to remove both eyes in one procedure.
The cost of the surgery was estimated at $715—a significant amount for Lindsay and her husband, who had already poured their hearts and resources into caring for Bella, Bear, and Tres. Determined to give Bella the relief she desperately needed, Lindsay turned to the community for help.
Lindsay started a GoFundMe campaign, hoping to raise enough money to cover Bella’s surgery. She shared the story of how Bella, Bear, and Tres came into their lives and the challenges they had faced together. The response from the community was nothing short of extraordinary.
Donations began pouring in from people who had followed the story of “The Three Blind Angels” during their time at the Nevada SPCA. Many donors shared heartfelt messages, praising Lindsay and her husband for giving the dogs the loving home they deserved.
“You truly are angels for adopting these three amazing dogs,” one donor wrote. “I remember seeing them at the shelter and thinking how sad it was that they hadn’t found a home yet. It makes me so happy to know they’re now with a family who loves them so much.”
Another donor reminisced about their time visiting the shelter, saying, “I remember playing ball with these wonderful dogs. They deserved this forever home, and I’m so glad they found it. Best of luck with Bella’s surgery.”
In a matter of days, Lindsay’s GoFundMe campaign surpassed its goal, raising $825—enough to cover Bella’s surgery and then some.
With the funds secured, Bella underwent the surgery to remove both of her eyes. Though the procedure was difficult, Lindsay and her husband knew it was the best decision to ensure Bella lived a pain-free life. After the surgery, Bella donned the infamous “cone of shame” to prevent her from disturbing the healing process, but she remained as loving and resilient as ever.
The community’s outpouring of support continued long after Bella’s surgery. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers who had donated to her campaign kept checking in on her progress, offering words of encouragement and love. Lindsay was overwhelmed by the kindness of the community that had rallied around her and her beloved dogs.
“Bella is recovering well, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the support we’ve received,” Lindsay shared in an update. “It’s heartwarming to know how many people care about our little family. Bella may not have her sight, but she has all the love and support in the world, and that’s what matters most.”
Thanks to the generosity of their community, Bella, Bear, and Tres are thriving in their new home. Lindsay and her husband continue to care for the dogs with all the love and attention they deserve, ensuring they live full, happy lives despite their disabilities.
The story of “The Three Blind Angels” is one of perseverance, love, and the power of community. What started as a family of dogs deemed “unadoptable” has transformed into an inspiring tale of compassion and second chances.
For Lindsay, adopting Bella, Bear, and Tres was one of the best decisions she ever made, and she hopes their story will encourage others to look beyond disabilities and see the beauty in every animal waiting for their forever home.
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