I hadn’t forgotten, but I hadn’t had the opportunity to smell that doogie scent on a blanket or pillow…and it brought tears of joy to my eyes when I recently picked up a couch blanket to fold, and smelled Boo’s doggie scent. Non-dog lovers will say, “Ewwww, gross!”, but they have NO idea how comforting it is.
I know that Boo isn’t a Tripawd; If I were capable, I would start a web page for owners of dogs that were born blind, as online there is mostly information for elderly dogs that have GONE blind after being sighted. I have questions, that I am answering for myself, and I’m really proud of my husband and myself. We’re figuring things out as we go along. I’ve also never had a “pit bull” (American Staffordshire Terrier) as a pet…and I have more questions than answers, but I do know this….I love her!
Oh Lynda, this makes me soooo happy. It warms my heart to read this, really.❤
Yes, the scent of dog is the scent of love. And it IS something we miss if it doesn’t stay in our life as a constant.
Yeah, you definitely are “learning as you go” with Boo. Myrtle was at least familiar with her home before she went blind. I know how challenging it’s been, so I can only imagine the hurdles you are facing.
I also know how very, very fortunate Boo is to have such a loving home❤
Luckily for us, Boo is as smart as a whip (what does that mean any way?). She maneuvers around the house better than I do if I’ve had one too many chardonnays! I’m most certain that she has a sense of where things are….even the cars in the driveway. She slows down, I say, “Be careful,” and she trots right on by them. Last week we had snow with freeing rain, and she was SUPER cautious outside, as the ice would break out from under her. Yesterday, we got 8 inches of pure powder, and that Georgia girl got her first feel of snow falling on her and the delicious non-taste of snow! She is only two years ole, so “puppy-like” isn’t even CLOSE to how excited she was.
Each night before she goes to bed, I give her a message to send to Gerry. I’ve already told her, in between her rapid kisses, that Gerry KNEW what he was doing when he sent her to this home. He knew his mom had love to give and patience to spare. My greatest joy is that she isn’t afraid to jump up on the bed in the room Gerry and I spent so much time napping and loving each other in. I was concerned about her getting down, but once I lifted her down a few times, and she could determine the distance, she’s a confident girl and will go up and down by herself. All of the rugs I needed to buy for Gerry, are SUCH an asset to her, as she has learned the lay of the house so quickly. Thank you for your reply and positive energy. More pictures soon!
Danielle
My heart dog was an Am Staff. They are a very misunderstood breed as you know. Rosie was the kindest, silliest pup. She was also fiercely protective of me and looked to me for guidance. As we got to know each other I learned how to introduce her to others, and it worked well. I would put her lead on and have her sit. I literally introduced her to every person like this that came into my home for the first time. I would instruct the people that she met to just put a hand down for her to sniff and tell her how wonderful she was and that this person was ok. It worked. Every time. Once she knew they were ok in my book, she was usually in their lap within 10 minutes getting loving, lol.
I know being sightless puts a major curve on even the simplest of things like introduction, so I have no idea if this will be acceptable in your home. Very rarely did I have lots of people over, and outside on leash she was a totally different girl. She never had people issues unless I did. I did not know Rosie’s background, only that she was probably used to breed then dumped on to the streets.
I am sure Boo’s other senses are heightened to make up for what she cannot see with her eyes. She is a beautiful pup and I am so glad you found each other!
I have thought of you several times when our new pup Bo jumps on to my lap on the couch and buries his head in my chest. It always makes me put my head down and smell his soft ears.
If I find any decent literature on blind dogs I will be happy to pass it your way!
Hugs,
Jackie and Huck
Thank you so much for sharing with me. I’ve always known that this breed has a reputation that should be blamed on the “humans” who raise or train them. She truly is a snuggle bug. As I type this, she has wedged herself behind me and that back of the sofa. She LOVES to put her head in between any nook and cranny she can find. I’ve never had a dog, that has laid down in my arms and flipped over on her back so she can get her belly rubbed. She’ll stay like that forEver if I have the time. Boo gets really excited when new people come over, not that there are many, but I tell them to stand up strainht with their hand palm down and flat, and I use the command, “Off, ” and then “Calm. Be calm.” She is learning each day. she’s currently mastered, “sit”, and is getting better at “down” and ” wait”. I had learned a bunch of hand signals, that I automatically use out of habit, but it keeps me focused, so why not. She took a nap with me on my bed the other day and when she woke up, realized where she was, she put both of her front paws on my face, so I couldn’t turn or move it, and kissed and kissed me. She was SO happy to wake up in a new cozy place. It’s impossible not to love a dog like that!
~ Danielle
We TOTALLY love doggie smell! Wet doggie smell. Frito feet doggie smell. You name it, if it’s eau de dawg we adore it.
There have been many folks in our community who have raised a vision impaired dog, or their dog lost vision after amputation surgery. So any information you can share here is greatly appreciated, thank you so much.
And next time, let’s see some more photos of your sweet girl!
More pictures today!