Life with a (mostly) blind and deaf dog

This is Bobby, my final refuge foster dog through Old Dog Haven. He is an absolute sweetheart of a dog. He also happens to be mostly blind and deaf (in addition to being ancient, arthritic, toothless, and having an eye lid that doesn't close). When I welcomed him into my home I was prepared to work with his limited eye sight. He sees only a tiny bit, mostly shadows and some motion, out of his right eye. However, I quickly learned that he is also very hard of hearing. Through the 4 months we have been together Bobby and I have experimented with different things and have some tips on making the life of a mostly blind and deaf dog safer and more stable. These are our suggestions:

• A blind & deaf dog is much easier to disorient! Now is a great time to have stability in the environment and schedule. As much as possible, keep large objects in the same place, don't rearrange furniture or go through major remodels. Keep the routine as consistent as possible since you will need to rely more on habit than on commands (your doggie will no longer be able to perceive them). Keep his food and water in the same place, his bed and other favorite objects easy to access. Blind and deaf dogs also sleep much more soundly than your average pup so he will be harder to rouse.
• Safety will become a bigger issue. Do you have roses or other thorny plants in your yard? Might be time to fence them off since a blind dog might walk into them. Even worse, he might walk into them with his eyes open and actually sustain damage he otherwise would instinctively protect himself from by blinking. Consider putting up a gate at the top of the stairs so your doggie doesn't take a tumble. If you have other pets in the house or meet other pets on walks, your doggie will not be able to see their nonverbals that otherwise would warn him to keep his distance so he may inadvertently get into their space and the other pets might feel provoked. Getting tangled in his own leash or stepping in poop is much more likely so plan accordingly. You may want to watch your own step much more closely and check before opening doors or cabinets - your pup might not see these obstacles and would be easier to accidentally bump.
• If your pup sees a little bit still (and is not entirely blind), consider moving from side to side or waving so he can see you, instead of calling him but staying still. If your pup can hear a little bit, try finding the frequency that works. Usually higher pitch is the last to be lost. If possible, allow your doggie to sniff you before you touch him so he is less likely to startle. But be prepared that startle response will be activated more often. This doesn't mean he is scared of you, not to worry, it is just an automatic, survival reaction.
• While the sight and hearing are weakening, the other senses are your friend! Your pup will rely on the sense of smell a lot. So if you need to guide him into an area you may want to place your hand in front of his nose and move it in the direction you want him to go. He will also be more likely to remain in his bed or another spot you want him to stick to if you put there an item of your clothing that you have just worn and which smells like you. Also consider having a blanket or towel that is specifically dedicated to your pup and marks his space. Move that blanket to his sleeping area at bedtime and to his daytime comfy spot in the morning. That way if you need to take him for a car ride or be some place new for a while, taking the blanket along will provide a sense of orientation. 
• Touch will become more important to your pup as well. He will likely become a bigger snuggler since feeling you against him will help orient him to your location. You may also want to use touch as a way to orient to a direction in which to go. If your pup is facing away from you and calling him is of no use, touch him and he will turn around and likely follow. He may seek more physical contact with other pets and people in the household - be prepared for this and warn/ supervise as needed. 

This sounds like a lot. And at times it can be. But blind and deaf doggies are wonderful, loving, and completely capable of a lot of joy. So be patient and learn from each other. The times you share will be very worth it!

Happy New Year!

It's been yet another amazing year of helping animals in need. There were tough days and challenges, there were fantastic happy endings. One of those transformations was pup Avgustina.

 

Avgustina was rescued from the streets of Bulgaria. She was found horribly emaciated, sick with ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. As if this were not enough, one of Avgustina's legs had sustained an injury at some point in the past and at the time of rescue was completely dead. Poor Avgustina was simply dragging it along with her. 

 

The amazing supporters of Animal Aid International came together and raised the funds for Avgustina's treatment and amputation surgery. As always, the vets proceeded with treatment immediately, working on credit and trusting the wonderful reputation AAI has built over time for always keeping our word to the animals in need. Avgustina did her part and worked very hard at her rehabilitation. 

 

The sweet girl blossomed with the love that the rescuers and foster parents gave her. This was likely the first time in her life she was safe and no longer hungry. These simple, basic joys that every innocent soul deserves allowed Avgustina to relax and let her personality shine through. She proved herself to be a happy, loving, gentle dog. It was not too long before wonderful adopters in Western Europe saw the gem that this three-legged pup was and decided she was meant to be a part of their family. And thus Avgustina was adopted and will live happy and loved for the rest of her life.

 

Stories like those of Avgustina are all around us. Rescue changes the world. It saves lives and generates hope for the future of humanity. 

This year, we resolve to work hard to make many more such happy endings possible. But we will need your help! What is your rescue resolution?