Washington- Blind 7 Month Old Sheepie-Girl
Her life does NOT need to be over. I emailed the person who posted the ad at 7:30 this morning and Jim also called and left a message (they'll return calls tomorrow). It indicates the current owners wanted to euthanize her but this person (possibly the breeder?) has stepped in and is trying to find her a new home. It would really be a mistake to euthanize her... Dr. Petersen-Jones and the staff down at Michigan State University stressed the fact that blind dogs will adapt just fine if only given the chance. I've found out first hand that this is SO very true. Blindness is often MOST difficult for the owners who must not make rash decisions thinking a dog can no longer enjoy life. If anyone wants to bring in truly special lifelong companion into their world, please consider this blind sheepie-girl. She will be spayed before she's rehomed because she carries the trait for blindness that must never be allowed to continue. Yes, she will bump into things while she learns her surroundings... you'll need to teach her to listen for commands like "careful" and teach her to use the stairs with commands step-up/step-down. Build a trust between the two of you and self confidence again in herself. She WILL come to learn her home and to listen for your voice to keep her safe while learning to again enjoy her world. I hope there is someone extra special out there that will recognize her worth as a companion animal. She will be SO worth your investment of time and love! My current Avatar picture is of my blind Kaytee running. When we adopted her I honestly expected to have to tether the poor blind dog to me so I could lead her around the rest of her life.  WHAT A JOKE!! Most people don't even know she's blind and a few have questioned the fact.
Love a blind sheepie. 
They are SO worth it. |
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| I hope someone can help. I added her link to The List (www.winnifredslist.com). |
That's wonderful... thank you!  |
| It does sound as if the breeder stepped in to help and is being responsible and honest about the facts of dealing with a blind puppy and open about never breeding her. I wish all breeders felt that way and hope this girl gets a wonderful family. BTW, what causes a detached retina? |
| She sounds wonderful. I hope someone can make room for her. . . |
| I completely agree with Jaci. There's absolutely no reason to euthanize this puppy.
I have an OES who lost her vision very suddenly when she was 6 years old due to SARDS. When she came to live with me, she was extremely lethargic and many people didn't think she would bounce back. But she did bounce back (with a vengeance!) and now leads a very rich life with me and my other OES. Our veterinary ophthalmologist recommended a book called "Living with Blind Dogs" by Caroline Levin RN (Lantern Publications). It's been a godsend. It covers how dogs deal with blindness, training concepts for blind dogs, pack order, etc. It's thorough and well-researched yet easy to understand and includes hints from many owners of blind dogs. We haven't really done much in the way of special training, other than teaching her verbal cues like "careful" "slow", etc. We're mindful to push chairs under the table, close closet doors, and keep her food and water in the same place. We give her more verbal cues than the other dogs, especially right after she wakes up since she might be alittle groggy. She seems to enjoy her daily walk far more than my other dogs and is the only one who will sit by the door waiting! All things considered, she's not much more work than any other OES but just as much pleasure and love! I can't find the words to describe how enriching it's been to have a blind dog in my life. She constantly amazes and inspires me. I hope someone will adopt this puppy. Whoever it is will not be sorry! Sharon |
| This article indicates retinal dysplasia can be either inherited or acquired... not sure if it's the same thing??
http://www.upei.ca/cidd/Diseases/ocular ... plasia.htm I had mentioned that Dr. Petersen-Jones had examined Kaytee when she was about 6 months old... I see he has a page on the OESCA health website about PRA research too. http://oeshealth.org/pra.htm He KNOWS what he's talking about when he says blind dogs do adapt... |
| Hi Sharon... thanks so much for sharing your experience with your blind sheepie. You mentioned so many of the things we also do. You have to be more conscious about opening and closing doors all the way... no in betweens. Put away the lawn mower or wheel barrow before you let her out to play. We also keep the basement door closed. But it's nothing major.
Quote: Our veterinary ophthalmologist recommended a book called "Living with Blind Dogs" by Caroline Levin RN (Lantern Publications). MSU recommended this book too. We picked it up when Kaytee was about 6 months old... we kind of figured things out on our own and used the internet. Steps were a joyful accomplishment since it's a combination of trust and commands. One interesting thing that I later read is that it's common for blind dogs to run in a circle once it's mapped out. Does your OES do this too? Quote: We haven't really done much in the way of special training, other than teaching her verbal cues like "careful" "slow", etc. I think this is the most amazing thing... they are like seeing dogs in almost every way except as a team we learn to work together if in unfamiliar areas. They do not require any more supervision in the home once they are accustomed to it. Quote: She seems to enjoy her daily walk far more than my other dogs and is the only one who will sit by the door waiting!
I have to laugh because Kaytee learned quickly that sitting opens doors for her. http://oesusa.com/Sit.jpg There will be times we're working out in the shop and we turn around to find her sitting at the back door.
Thanks again for sharing the hope and joy of your blind OES. |
| I hope somebody can take in this very special gal....
One of my dogs lost her vision at the age of 11 (due to diabetes) We had to be careful mostly in the yard to not leave things out, as Jaci stated but, she did well The only reason at first we noticed was she was squinting...it didn't stop her from playing at all! I wish we were not on the opposite side of the country! |
Oh wow! I would love to have her ...we just can't afford a third puppy right now.  I really hope she finds a wonderful home and would love to hear updates on her! |
| Has anyone checked into whether or not this girl can have her retina re-attached? Is this Washington state or DC? |
| It is on Seattle Craigs list
I wish it was DC! Short drive........ Kathy |
| Roland, I haven't had any contact so I don't know if this was discussed. The ad indicated only that they did some kind of tests. I did not offer to take her... only to help if they have any problems placing her. Someone did get a reply and was told the lady trying to help is named Susan.
There is one interesting thing we had tried to get Kaytee to heel (besides peanut butter on a wooden spoon ). You take a narrow piece of PVC pipe (you need to find the length that works best for you) and slip it over the leash... I tied a big secure knot in the end of the leash so it wouldn't slip through. It gives you a rigid leash and a little more control over the dog UNLESS you've got a blind dog that insists on leading!  We used it for a while. It might work great with a dog that isn't quite so bullheaded/confident  |
| Hi everyone,
The ophthalmologist should be able to give a good assessment if re-attachment is a possibility for at least one eye. I know a detachment can have up to around 2 months for re-attachment possibilities and that there is a specialist that does the surgery in CA. I believe the costs would be around 3,000 plus some local visits to the ophthalmologist. If someone is willing and has the time to handle the leg work this would be a better alternative than just accepting the blindness of this young girl. Donations could be requested as well as a fund raiser and help from some rescues may be possible. I know time is limited at this point and it may not even be an option but we should find out if someone is available to help out and have this girl checked into for re-attachment. At least one eye is better than being blind. Zach |
| Thanks for posting this information. It would be wonderful if her world didn't HAVE to be dark. I've forwarded this info to someone who may be checking on her...
No matter what is done or not done though, she WILL adapt if blindness is permanent. |
| I was notified that little miss sheepie is safely with a Washington OES rescue.
Jim had talked with the lady that had placed the ad this morning... this sheepie girl had been with a vet tech since being brought in to be euthanized. We need to help people understand that blindness is not the end of the world to a dog. Yes, if the loss is sudden, they need help to adapt and become confident again. If it's a gradual thing, some owners don't even know it's occurred. Dogs don't have to drive a car nor travel from home to work each day. They don't have to cook, grocery shop, clean the house or earn a living. If people look at them funny or pity them, they are happy to overlook this human flaw and love them anyway. If only people could do the same thing... |
Thanks for the update Jaci  . This girl may have a great life yet! |
| I am so happy to hear that!!!
I am sure WA Rescue will find her a great home! Thanks for looking out for the lil gal Jaci Hugs Kathy |
| Oh that's great news. Thanks Jaci for letting us know. |
| Its great she is with a rescue, if they were willing to send her over I would take her here with me in CA. Hope she finds a good home. |
| Just a suggestion, but we have raised funds here before for other things, if the retina can be reattached why can't we raise at least partial funds? Is there a Vet school nearby that could help shave the cost?.........Kathy |
| I would like to know about that too. If funds could be raised, could they do anything to give her some vision? |
| Gads... I'm so sorry I didn't update this. I'm making a muck of things.
Grannie Annie reported today that this pup is doing great with rescue and can actually see!  I'm not sure what the story is... I'll try to get more info and
post when I can. |
| wow great news. Thanks for the update.
Zach |
| Just an update...
I was told this pup had an eye infection which was causing serious vision problems. She is said to be doing well |
| Wow, that is terrific! Thanks for the update! |
| Has she found a home yet? What type of eye infection was it? |
| Wow, I can't believe anybody would give their puppy up and not even know the real reasons of her problems. I'm glad she "only" has an infection though!
Thanks for the update! |
| I'm sorry but I don't know if this sheepie-girl has found a home or what type
of infection it was. The info I received was from another rescue that had talked with the person who placed the ad. I was told she's with the Seattle OES Rescue- http://hometown.aol.com/slhansen44/myhomepagedog.html (Old English Sheepdog Club of Greater Seattle Rescue) If you're interested in adopting, you might drop Suzi a note to see if she's still available You'll find her email address at the website address above. |
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