A Priceless Christmas Gift For Caspar

Here's a heartwarming story from www.peoplepets.com that really exemplifies what the holiday spirit is all about...

For Caspar the dog it will be a merry Christmas, indeed.

Generous gifts from thousands of strangers has helped pay for life-changing cataract surgery that restored the dog's sight, according to the U.K.'s Express.

"We've been overwhelmed by the generosity of people," said the dog's new owner, Sally Baker, a volunteer with the charity Dogs Friends which initially rescued the puppy in April. "Caspar has touched everyone's hearts. I can't thank everyone enough."

Baker distributed fliers around town in Bristol, England, seeking donations to pay for the dog's $3,000 eye surgery and in a matter of weeks over $10,000 flowed in. The leftover cash has helped fund procedures for three other dogs.

Among the contributors were children who sent in pocket money and a 93-year-old man who shared a portion of his pension, the Express said.

If Caspar could, he'd probably thank each donor personally. "It's completely changed his life," said Baker. "It's gone from one of total darkness to one of light and happiness."

Playtime For Blind Dogs!

People who live with blind and visually impaired dogs know that they love playtime just as much as the next pooch and benefit greatly from enriching games, even fetch! Here are some ideas, suggestions, and resources to help you engage your blind dog in play:

Games For Blind Dogs and Toys For Blind/Visually Impaired Dogs from Owners Of Blind Dogs (www.blinddogs.com)

Teaching A Blind Dog "Fetch" from Kooper's World

Games For Blind Dogs from The Daily Puppy

Toys For Blind Dogs from The Happy Dog Spot

Wiggly Giggly Giggling dog toys

Help Rolling Dog Ranch Succeed In The Shelter Challenge Contest!

Many of you may be familiar with Rolling Dog Ranch, Steve Smith and Alayne Marker's wonderful sanctuary in New Hampshire (previously Montana), that's devoted exclusively to disabled animals like blind Suzi and three-legged Ella, shown above.

In 2009, Rolling Dog Ranch won the well-deserved $20,000 grand prize in the Animal Rescue Site's annual shelter challenge. This year, the sanctuary has the chance to win again and they need your votes! There are just two days left since the contest ends on Sunday, December 19th, so submit your vote ASAP by clicking here (note: just type in "Rolling Dog Ranch" and select NH for the state, and the listing for the sanctuary will come up).

The Story Of Blind Fred In Honor Of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month

Since November is Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month, we will be sharing a series of inspiring stories about people who opened their hearts and homes to extra special "mature" pooches of all shapes and sizes! Here's the heartwarming story of Fred, a blind and deaf Chinese Crested mix who was rescued not just once, but twice:

Eight years ago, a man rescued a tiny dog about six years old who was found wandering the streets of New York City. Most of his hair was gone, his leg had been broken and caused him to limp. He had a terrible scar across his nose. He was going blind and deaf and all of his teeth needed to be removed. This man took him in, named him Fred and nursed him back to health.

Fred was well-loved and cared for. His hair grew back in and I can only imagine he lived a very good life for eight years. Then, just before Thanksgiving 2009, his owner was admitted to hospice care. As a fourteen year old blind, deaf and toothless dog Fred's situation was grim.
Again, he was rescued by someone at a shelter in New York. He was transported to New Jersey by Cares4Pets of Pennsylvania and put in a foster home. His story was posted on www.petfinder.com.

Meanwhile, I was searching petfinder to see if there were still records of my parents' adopted dogs and their happy stories. I accidentally found myself reading about Fred and I started crying. It was just so unfair that he was homeless again after all he'd been through. I was not looking to adopt a dog but I couldn't get Fred out of my mind. A few weeks later, he became my baby.

Fred, who we believe is a Chinese Crested, has a new wardrobe, complete with winter coat. He loves eating, having his hair brushed, exploring his back yard and taking long naps in his new bed. He sometimes goes on short walks or out shopping. When he does, he wears his harness which has a tiny New York license plate with his name on it. This is all Fred has left from his eight years with his daddy - a man who I will never know but who I am forever grateful to for saving Fred's life.

Celebrating 5 Years With Greta!

Five years ago this week, our beautiful Dachshund Greta joined our family in the fall of 2005. Here are some pictures of her over the past five years, including some from her pre-paralysis days. Even though Greta has lost her sight and mobility since we first adopted her, we will never give up on her. She is a cherished member of our pack and her precious spirit has made an impact that will grace our lives forever. Click here to read Greta's full story!

Living With Blind Dogs

We have a reading recommendation for anyone with a blind dog in their life - Living With Blind Dogs: A Resource Book and Training Guide for the Owners of Blind and Low-Vision Dogs by Caroline D. Levin. Now in it's second edition, Living With Blind Dogs remains the only published book on the topic. Click here for an excerpt!

"Love Is Blind" - A Heartwarming Rescue Story

After working in animal shelters for several years, I often feel like I've seen it all. When my pal Vicki sent me this story, however, I was truly astonished by what I read. First, by the awful cruelty and carelessness that led someone to abandon two helpless blind dogs, but more importantly, by the heartwarming heroism of author Todd Miller for intervening to save the lives of these deserving animals despite the assumption that "no one would want to adopt two old beat up blind dogs."

Marilyn (above left) and Elvis (right) are alive and thriving today because Todd and his wife welcomed them into their home - blindness, advanced age, heart murmurs, and all. Our world needs more people like Todd, people who will take a stand and recognize that disabled animals are still worthy of love, affection, care, and life.

"Love Is Blind" by Todd Miller

Greta & Dewey Take To The High Seas!

Being disabled doesn't keep Greta and Dewey from having a good time! On Sunday the four of us headed to Monterey for a whale watching adventure. Blind Greta sniffed the salt air and kept her cool on the open ocean in her doggie sling, proving to be quite the little seafarer! Three-legged Dewey was more nervous about the whole experience, but seemed to feel more confident as a sailor once he had his "small man" jacket on. Just another adventure for our rebound hounds!

Greta's Story

Greta's story has been added to the www.blinddogs.net website! Click here to read more about our special senior girl, and don't forget that you can also submit the story of your own blind dog.

Blind Dogs See With Their Hearts

"Blind dogs see with their hearts" is the motto over at www.blinddogs.net, a wonderful website where families with sight impaired pooches share stories, tips, and resources, including a directory of board certified veterinary ophthalmologists. The profiles of individual dogs are diverse (some were born blind while others lost their vision over time, like our Greta, whose picture graces this post), but they all seem to share a commonality: being visually impaired does not destroy their quality of life!

In fact, the blind dogs community is quick to remind us humans that for dogs, eyesight ranks #3 in importance compared to smell and hearing. Although it's easy for us to focus on our own feelings of helplessness or pity when we encounter a disabled animal, our canine friends are far more resilient than we give them credit for.

Whether you're trying to cope with caring for a newly blind dog, or your pooch is getting up in years and you want to prepare for age-related vision loss, a visit to www.blinddogs.net will let you know that you're not alone.

Get To Know Kemo!

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Kemo today at Oakland Animal Services. I was on my way inside the shelter to inquire about becoming a volunteer, and this congenial chap was outside basking in the sun with a volunteer. It wasn't until I had pet him for a bit that I discovered he is completely blind, which just goes to show you how well dogs with vision impairments adapt to life! The folks at Oakland Animal Services are not sure how he lost his sight since he came in as a stray, but they do know that he is exceedingly friendly (don't let those tough looking cropped ears fool you!), and he adores belly rubs. Even if you can't adopt Kemo, seeing this video of him in action is bound to bring a smile to your face!

Blind Frisky - A Hurricane Katrina Hero

Back in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, George Mitchell nearly lost his life to the storm. The octogenarian was stuck in his house, treading water for hours. Exhausted, George felt himself "about to let go" when he was encouraged and revived by his ever-loyal companion Frisky, a blind 19 year old schnauzer poodle mix. To see a CBS interview with George (and his canine hero!), click here.

Get To Know Archie, A Special Blind Dog Who Is Available For Adoption

Mr. Archie is a charming chap who would love to make your acquaintance. You'll have to excuse his funny haircut - we had to shave him down because he arrived at the shelter covered in foxtails and burrs. This sweet little guy is a Shih Tzu mix even though he doesn't look very much like one at the moment. He was found wandering around as a stray, lost and disoriented, and picked up by a team of kind-hearted firefighters who brought him to the shelter where I work. Judging by the rough shape he was in, it appeared that Archie had been on his own for quite a while. It's truly miraculous that he managed to survive at all...

Although Archie is estimated to be only around three years old, he has advanced cataracts that have rendered him completely nonvisual. Being blind doesn't put much of a cramp in this pooch's style, however! Archie loves to snuggle and he will express his satisfaction with little grunts of appreciation. He also likes to go out for walks and experience new smells and sounds. He gets along well with many other dogs too! In short, Archie is a delightful dog who would make a wonderful companion. If you are interested in learning more about him, drop me a line at reboundhounds@yahoo.com

"Love is a language which the blind can see and the deaf can hear." Donald E. Wildman

What You Need To Know About Canine Cataracts

If you share your home with a senior dog, there's a good chance that your old timer will encounter vision impairment at some point. Cataracts often appear in geriatric dogs and are one of the leading causes of canine blindness. A cataract is an opacity on the lens of the eye. Although these opacities may start small, they usually progress to the point where the entire lens is clouded and all functional vision is lost (this was the case with our Greta, shown above). For affected animals, seeing through a mature cataract is comparable to looking through white frosted glass.

Cataracts can develop as the result of disease, trauma, genetics, and old age. The majority of dogs diagnosed with diabetes will develop cataracts. This is because the glucose concentrations in the lens increase as a result of the diabetes. Eventually the extra glucose is converted into sorbitol, which in turn leads to an influx of water to the lens. The added water contributes to a breakdown of the lens fibers and facilitates the formation of cataracts. If your dog receives a diabetes diagnosis, it's imperative to seek veterinary guidance about the accompanying vision concerns.

Canine cataracts can be treated by surgically removing the clouded lenses and replacing them with artificial ones. A veterinary ophthalmologist can evaluate your dog and let you know if s/he is a good candidate for surgery (for Greta, we decided that she's been through enough medical ordeals for one lifetime, so we're not pursuing cataract surgery). The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist' website has a nationwide directory of providers.

If you suspect that your pooch may be developing cataracts or another vision disorder, here are several signs to be aware of:

• A tendency to bump into things
• Reluctance to use stairs or jump on or off furniture
• Hesitancy in unfamiliar environments
• Bluish, gray or white color change inside of the eye (in many instances discoloration may be due to a benign geriatric condition called Nuclear Sclerosis which does not impair vision, but it's still advisable to have a vet examine any animal with discolored eyes)

For more information about canine cataracts, click here.

Miss Ellie Proves That Blind Dogs Can Finish First!

Earlier today at the 2009 World's Ugliest Dog contest, Miss Ellie - a blind 15 year old Chinese Crested - proved that disabled dogs can finish first! Miss Ellie's imperfections, including her cataracts, lack of teeth and abundance of warts, earned her the blue ribbon in the pedigree class.

She traveled all the way from Tennessee to California with her human, Dawn Goehring, to compete in the contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Dawn has 13 other rescue pups at home, and she's eager to to use Miss Ellie as a "spokesmodel for rescue dogs of the 'not so cute' kind." Dawn also told reporters "Miss Ellie hopes that people get the message that there are plenty of wonderful rescue dogs out there just waiting for a chance." Our sentiments exactly!

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest is a renowned celebration of "imperfect" dogs of all stripes. Last year's grand prize winner was Gus, a one-eyed tripod who suffered several bouts of skin cancer (sadly, Gus passed away last November). Our blind friend, Xino, took third place.

Although Miss Ellie didn't win the coveted championship title of World's Ugliest Dog (Pabst, a boxer mix with an unmistakable under-bite took the top honors this year), her status as the winner of the pedigree category is definitely a victory to celebrate. Three cheers for Miss Ellie and blind dogs everywhere!

Clicker Training Blind Dogs - It CAN Be Done!

Ever since we discovered that our senior, partially paralyzed Dachshund, Greta, is blind, I've been investigating new ways to communicate with her. It turns out that the clicker can be a great tool for blind dogs! Have a look...

Greta Update

Greta had her first vet visit of the year the other day and we learned some important information about our little rebound hound. The good news: she doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort from her 2007 back injury, and her heart is in nice shape (no murmur). The bad news: she has grown completely blind due to cataracts.

Although we have known for a while that Greta's vision was limited, we didn't realize that she lost her sight entirely. I feel awful for not figuring it out sooner, but it's tough with a largely immobile dog. Because most of her walking takes place in the living room, she navigates pretty well. And she's super good at following scent trails and responding to sounds.

No one ever wants to hear that their dog has become blind, especially when they are already disabled. Still, we are trying our best to stay positive for Greta's sake. I know that sightless animals can still have happy, fulfilling lives, and we are making adjustments to help Greta feel as secure and comfortable as possible.

I found a great list of tips for living with a blind dog that include using a small fountain as a water bowl (the sound of the water will allow the pooch to find it easily) and outfitting other family pets with a bell or tags so that the blind dog can follow them around the house and hear their approach. I also found this handout from Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty Center to be helpful. If you have more advice/insight to share with us, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

Get To Know Xino - A Very Special Pooch!

During our walk today, we had the good fortune to cross paths with canine superstar Xino (pronounced Chino) - a true rebound hound if ever there was one! Nine year old Xino was rescued through http://www.petfinder.com/ and he sports a unique look: As a Xolo/Chihuahua mix, he's nearly hairless except for for a few sparse tufts. Xino is also blind as the result of an old eye infection and cataracts. His full name is Al Pacino (in honor of the actor's character in Scent of a Woman), but he goes by Xino for short.

Last year Xino showed off his star power as a contender at the World's Ugliest Dog competition in California. He even took third place! Click here to see Animal Planet's interview with Xino and his mom. Who knew we had such canine celebrities in our midst here in Seattle?!?

Club Second Chance Helps Animals In Need

At many animal shelters a disability is a death sentence. Despite their best intentions, the sad reality is that the majority of shelters just don't have the resources to help ill or injured cats and dogs. Fortunately, the East Bay SPCA in Oakland, California, is a wonderful exception. In 2008 the organization launched Club Second Chance with the goal of finding new homes for special needs pets. Adoption fees are discounted for Club Second Chance animals and they are featured in a special section of the East Bay SPCA website.

Since its inception, this life-saving program has helped dozens of dogs like Smidgen, a petite Chihuahua with deformed kneecaps. Club Second Chance funding provided the corrective surgery that Smidgen needed in order to walk again. Now she can outrun the members of her new forever family!

Bert is another pup who has a new lease on life because of Club Second Chance. The two year old Jack Russell / Australian Cattle Dog mix was born almost completely blind. He arrived at the East Bay SPCA as a transfer from another shelter, and he immediately captured the hearts of staff and volunteers. Bert ended up being adopted by a volunteer, and today he enjoys a life filled with leisurely walks, sunbathing, and plenty of fun with his doggie sister, Sam. Hooray for Club Second Chance!!!

The Incredible Abilities Of Isobel, A Blind Sled Dog

In the frozen climes of Manitoba a remarkable sled dog named Isobel spends the long winters sprinting gleefully across the snow. With her playful personality and keen sense of direction, Isobel is just like her team-mates except for one distinguishing factor: she cannot see. The tenacious Husky lost her vision several years ago after her retinas detached, possibly due to a virus.

Isobel's guardian, Jenafor Ollander, runs an outdoor expedition company and recalls the reaction to Isobel's sudden blindness: "I remember a couple of people mumbling 'What good is a blind sled dog? You should just take her out and shoot her.' And I'm a bit stubborn in nature... and I said, so what if she can't be a sled dog? She's a good dog."

As it turned out, Isobel wasn't ready to retire from racing. She happily returned to the snow and resumed her position pulling the sled with the pack. "That dog ran like you wouldn't believe," said Jenafor. "She ran better than when she had her eyesight."

Since losing her vision, Isobel has even lead the team in tandem with another dog. Isobel's veterinarian, Evan Fisk, isn't surprised by her continued ability to race. "I believe that their senses adapt and they adjust, just like a person. We know that people hone in well on their hearing skills and their sense of vibration and time and distance and smell... dogs become really acute at that," said Dr. Fisk. "When they lose their vision, the rest of their senses kind of take over."

From the shores of Hudson Bay and beyond, Isobel's perseverance has amazed and inspired countless people. It's easy to see why, too! Sled dogs are truly phenomenal creatures, and Isobel's enduring spirit is especially remarkable.