When people meet Josey, they’re stunned to learn she can’t see.
Her strength and determination leave everyone in awe. With the help of her mom, Colleen, Josey has pushed through unimaginable pain and trauma.
She was found abandoned on the street, but that wasn’t the worst of it. What she endured next is truly heartbreaking.
This is her journey.
A Shocking Discovery Behind Her Blindness
Josey was discovered on the roadside in Alabama alongside her canine companion, Roger. A veterinary exam revealed she had suffered severe head trauma, which had taken her sight.
Initially, rescuers believed she had been struck by a vehicle. But strangely, she had no other physical injuries. After being stabilized by Alabama rescuers, she was transferred to Brown Dog Coalition in Massachusetts.
Then came a devastating revelation.
Veterinarian Colleen McCarthy took Josey in as a foster. During her recovery, Colleen uncovered the real reason Josey had gone blind. She hadn’t been hit by a car, she had been shot in the face.
According to Brown Dog Coalition, pellets were embedded in her head, cheeks, and ears. Thankfully, they don’t currently need to be removed.
“After Josie joined her Massachusetts foster mom, @bugsybuttonbellisima, we learned that Josie had been shot in the face. Pellets remain in her head, cheeks, and ears, but as long as they aren’t bothering her, they won’t require removal,” the BDC team wrote on Instagram.
Defying Expectations With Every Step
Colleen never imagined Josey would be such a gentle soul. She settled into her Massachusetts home effortlessly, proving she didn’t need any special treatment.
“Despite her tragic past, Josie has somehow preserved her sweet and silly innocence. Her presence touches the hearts of everyone she meets,” BDC wrote.
Josey’s resilience was astonishing. She behaved as though she could see, often convincing strangers she wasn’t blind at all.
Her spatial awareness was remarkable. Within a few months, she memorized her surroundings and even learned to use communication buttons.
Her favorite? The dental chew button.
“She loves to use buttons to speak. She’ll press the dental chew button, that’s like her favorite,” Colleen told GeoBeats Animals.
If Colleen didn’t respond right away, Josey would keep pressing until she got her treat.
The most bittersweet part of Josey’s story is that her eyes remain strikingly expressive, even though they no longer function. But it’s her spirit that truly shines. She lives with joy and enthusiasm, as if her past never happened.
Soon after arriving as a foster, Colleen made a life-changing decision. She couldn’t let Josey go. Their bond was too strong.
Josey was officially adopted, and the two became inseparable.
Welcoming Others With Open Paws
Since then, Colleen has fostered many dogs, with Josey by her side every step of the way. For reasons no one can explain, other foster pups are drawn to her.
“Josey’s been a very welcoming, big foster sister for other dogs with disabilities,” Colleen says.
One dog in particular, Joey, captured her heart. He was also blind, and the two formed a beautiful connection. They cuddled, kissed, and played together in the yard, always aware of each other’s movements and the space around them.
When Joey left for his forever home, both Josey and Colleen were heartbroken. His absence left a noticeable void.
Still, Josey continues to thrive. She makes space in her heart for every dog who needs her. When she’s not helping others, she enjoys quiet moments with her family.
She adores everyone: humans, dogs, and cats and showers them with love.
Despite everything she’s endured, Josey refuses to dwell on the past. She embraces life with joy and determination. And she’s doing it beautifully.