My wonderful Polly, just lost her sight

[Becka of Seattle]

A week ago, my best friend Polly, a 13 yr. old Shih Tzu, lost her vision. We were eating dinner, and she always eats at the same time, and she just walked right through her dinner, and ran into the stove. Well we knew then, that she had lost all of her sight. Welll this last week has been so tuff on her {and I think more on me} getting her used to be able to move from room to room has been a chalange. She has to go down stair to go outside, so we have had to carry her down, but have been able to talk her through getting back up. I hope that in time, she will be back to some of her happy times, because right now, she is soooo depressed... Any input would be greatly appriciated...
Sad in Seattle

[Guest]

It is hard to see them crash into things. there is a great book called"Living with Blind dogs" I think at first we think we are the only ones who have a blind dog, but I have found out there are lots. It will take her some time to get adjusted. I recommend using a harness with her leash instead of on her collar. It gives my dog a feeling of secirity. even simple things like in and out of the car, etc he will do with much less hesitance if he feels the leash on his harness. There is another great site

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blinddogs/
and also

http://landofpuregold.com/kaytee.htm

good luck
Liz

[rrrdolphin]

I have adopted a little blind Cocker Spanial, she came out of a puppy mill, of which I rescued her from the human society.
She has adaped very well to her suroundings, we live in eastern wa., on a farm, our friend who owns a large farm, has cut a path thru his field, where she can run and play, its amazing to see how she can tell the differace between the high and low grasses. she is also a little stinker, some how she can get on top of the cabnets to find her favorite treets.
In the house she has memorized each room and its containts, its as if she is not blind at all, so give yours time and lots of love, and she will come around. Rob

[sunter]

Remember that saying, "God doesn't give you more than you can handle"? Well, that also applies to our four legged babies..My dog Loni, a year and a half ago, went blind. She is only 10. I have been her cane ever since, and it is an honor to me to care for her. She is afraid to walk around. Since she is a Chinese Crested Powderpuff, and sixteen pounds, I carry her most everywhere....potty, most especially..and I offer very encouraged, supportive words to her. She wags her tail, eats and drinks with my help, and hangs out in my car most of the time when I am at work...she feels really safe in the car... I also live in Washington State, and I have prayed for rain and cooler weather this summer...and it has happened... it is an adjustment, most especially for her, but we are an awesome team. Stay positive.... blind dogs do see from their hearts. Terry

[Bewitchednbeyond]

People have said to me, why don't you have your dog put to sleep , it would be kinder, why?/ my molly has been blind for many years, she is the happiest little thing on 4 legs.. she knows her own home, and unless you leave something where it shouldn't be or a door half open/closed, she does great, we use the same word all the time if we see her heading for something, she just vears off to the side without breaking stride, she goes both up and down stairs on her own, and enjoys nothing more than a good long walk, we are a team, I am her eyes she is my inspiration..