Lady Belle - Adventures of a Blind Doodle #2

[Thomas, Chari, & Lady Belle]

Hello, Lady Belle Here, 

In my first post I filled you in on my first 2 ½ years – Life with a family, going blind, being turned in to a shelter, adoption 1 for 90 days, back to a shelter, then being rescued by my foster mom, Melissa.  I ended the post with a statement that my life was about to change again.

About this name thing. First I was called Bell-a. Then Melissa called me Belle. In my new home they are calling me Lady Belle. That’s OK. I am a lady. Besides they can call me whatever they want as long as they don’t forget to ring the dinner bell. I know, “bad pun."

My last two days have been very eventful. Saturday, July 17, started out like any other normal day. I woke up when I heard Melissa stirring. Then I hung with the pack in the morning after a quick walk.  Melissa went off and did her mobile vet thing.

Around 2:00 these two people showed up. Unlike other visitors, they wanted to only visit with me. The man had treats in his pocket, Orijen dried beef. Now there’s a good treat!  He asked me to sit.  Who wouldn’t sit when treats are being handed out?   We wrestled on the floor a bit.  He’s fun to wrestle with. They talked with Melissa about me quite a bit. Then it was out to the yard. Melissa put me on the retractable lead and showed them how she uses the lead to allow me to roam and get some exercise. 

Then they wanted to take me for a ride. How cool is that? I almost never get to go on rides. I had a bit of trouble getting in the truck as the rear seat is way off the ground and I couldn't see the step to get up. I got part way up and the man helped me by lifting my rear end. They had a dog comforter and pillows. And they bribed me with more treats. Then we were gone.

I thought it was going to be a short ride. It wasn’t. It is the longest car ride I’ve ever been on. They stopped a few times so I could get out and stretch my legs and take care of business. Then more driving. I thought I was a really good girl. I’ve never been a drama queen. I just settled and napped. About 2/3 of the way to Madison we stopped in a small town park for a picnic dinner. They had tuna salad sandwiches at a picnic table. They put out a dish of kibble and some water for me. But I just wasn’t interested. I stood there listening to the unfamiliar sounds (a baby crying, cars going by, a bicyclist) and smells. Where is Melissa? Where is my pack? Then back on the car for more driving. What is going on?

We arrived in Madison about 8 hours after we left my home. The man immediately took me for a 20 minute walk to stretch my legs and take care of business. Then he led me into the house. The woman had taken my dog comforter and laid it on the floor next to a kibble dish and a water dish. I sampled the water but just wasn’t interested in the kibble. Then they walked me around so I could explore the ground floor of the house. There is a single step in three places, the kitchen, the dining room and the living room. I still haven’t ventured into those areas. But the rest of the ground floor is all level - dinette, a walk area by some windows in the family room, the area where the furniture is in the family room, the hallway to the laundry and bath and door to the garage, and the hallway to their bedroom. The first picture is me sitting in front of the breakfast counter in the dinette area. The man had just asked me to sit. I’m trying really hard to please so I planted my butt right on the floor. I love it when he says “good girl.” Some of the area has area rugs, some tile, and some wood floors. I was particularly interested in the large area rug in front of the family room furniture. It smells of another dog. I think his name is Coco. That’s my favorite place to lay down. It makes me feel most like home.

After a bit more exploring, it was time to go to bed. I spent some time walking around to figure out the layout of the downstairs.  They went into their bedroom and closed the door. I decided to sleep on the tile floor right outside their door. When morning came, they got up and took me for a longer walk. About 1 1/2 miles in about 1/2 hour. I’m going to have to teach them about dog walks. A walk to them is a death march. No time to stop and sniff. But it is good exercise and gets me panting. My butt was dragging by the end of the walk because I’m not used to that much exercise.  I thought I handled it pretty well. After some breakfast (yes I ate my kibble) they went to church and I was alone in the house for about 2 hours. I’m not telling anyone what I did while they were gone. It’s a secret. I heard the woman say she noticed some dog hair on the couch. I’m taking the 5th amendment on that one. The man went outside to do some yard work and the woman took a nap after they returned. Then she left in her car. The man took a short nap with me laying on the floor on the rug below the couch. 

Then we went for a ride in his Mini Cooper. It is a lot easier to get into the Mini Cooper than the truck. It makes vroom, vroom noises. We went to this really cool store, Mounds Pet Food Warehouse. They let dogs go inside the store. I met about five dogs in Mounds. We checked out the food and bought a toy. It has a handle on one end, a ring on the other, and a rope between. It also squeaks. I don’t have a clue what to do with it. Maybe I can figure it out later. Until then it stays with the two bones Melissa sent along.

After that we went to the dog park. The man finally figured out how a dog walk is supposed to go. He let me explore at my pace. The next picture is me exploring in the dog park. The man was reluctant to post it because it shows me without a leash. He was afraid he’d get in trouble with the Rescue people. This dog park is around 40 acres surrounded by a tall chain link fence. The entrance is double gated. He started out walking me on a leash but when dogs approached and started sniffing me, I had no place to go. Finally he unleashed me. All the other dogs are off their leashes. As the picture shows this dog park has cut grass and sand paths through prairie and woods. I don’t like weeds in my face so I try to stay on the path. I’ve figured out that the safest way to explore is to follow him and his voice. I’ve come to trust that he’s not going to take me anyplace that I’ll run into something. And he keeps mentioning my name and making clicking noises to let me now where he is.

I must have met 20 other dogs. We sniff earn other’s nose and private parts. The boys don’t seem very interested in me because I’ve been neutered. That’s good because I’m not ready for any of THAT. We don’t move around the park as fast as the other dogs and their owners. But it is a brand new place with lots of interesting smells and he gave me the time to check things out. We must have walked for 90 minutes. When we finished our loop he put me back on the leash and he walked me through the set of two gates. By then I was pretty hot and panting as the temperature was in the high 80s. What is really cool is that nobody noticed that I am blind. Well, the man told one person after she saw me walk into a small tree trunk. I hate it when I do that.

We hopped back in the MINI and headed back home. When we got there after about 10 minutes I had a big dish of fresh cold water. I was pretty tuckered out after the death march in the morning and my dog park experience so I curled up on the Coco rug and took a long nap.

I also have a dog yard, a portion of the yard just for me. It has grass and a tall wood fence. They let me out in the yard to give me a chance to do my business. I’m learning two new commands, “step up” and “step down”. I’ve figured out that step means slow down, the elevation of the floor is about to change. I still haven’t figured out what “up" and “down” means, but I’m working on it. I’ll figure it out as I’m a pretty smart girl. There is a three step change between the garage entrance to my dog yard and the first floor. I’m getting pretty good at climbing and descending these stairs. They also use those words when I’m getting into and out of a car.

Last night they moved my dog comforter outside their bedroom door. I slept on it for the first time last night.

We got up this morning and went on another 1 1/2 mile death march. I have to admit I’m enjoying the exercise. Maybe our routine will be a death march in the morning and a dog walk in the afternoon or evening. They did allow me to stop and pee and poop this morning. The woman’s going to work today but my new dad is staying home with me. I think they are going to reverse roles tomorrow. I like having them around. I’m hoping there will be another dog park trip this afternoon. But it is going to get hot so I hope my new dad brings some water and a dish with him.

My new dad registered me with the micro-chip company and ordered two tags with my name and his phone number. He’s talking about picking up a county dog tag today. I’m really not supposed to be in the dog park without a rabies tag and a county dog tag. There’s also the matter of the annual fee which you can’t pay unless you have a dog tag number. But nobody busted us yesterday.

I still miss Melissa and my dog pack. But this is a pretty nice place for a dog. There is lots to do and lots of other dogs and people to meet and greet. And there is a lot of love here.

Lady Belle

[Debbie and Bentley]

I love that your favorite spot to lay down is the "Coco" rug. I am sure he is very happy that a new dog is enjoying it as much as he did. It sounds like there is a lot of love at your new furever home.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Lady Belle, you have us charmed!    

[Robin and Libby Louise]

It is clear that we are all wishing for the best life for Belle, and I think she is where she needs to be! We all love her and her new family!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Lady Belle, relax  and enjoy your new home.  You don't have to worry about being returned to the shelter ever again. While you miss Melissa and her pack, you are going to love your new pack and they are going to love you.  Happy furever!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thomas, Thanks for responding. Yes, you will get a lot of advice. I have never let qualifications or knowledge on a subject stop me from giving my advice...LOL :) Enjoy your Belle. She sure sounds like a wonderful dog. I will absolutely watch your video. I am so glad your daughter recovered and has gone on to do amazing things. It will be interesting to see what happens if you do add another dog. Thanks for taking my comments in the spirit they were intended....I hope only the best for your family and Belle!

[Thomas, Chari, & Lady Belle]

I think we'd all agree that all dogs are different.  They come in different ages, temperaments, energy levels, and interests.  Some are submissive.  Others refuse to submit.  They change as they age.  When our recently departed chocolate lab Coco was a young dog, he could lope faster than I could run.  Near the end he would have done well to walk 1 mile per hour. 

Because blind dogs are drawn from the pool of all dogs, they are all different too.  They have different needs and should be handled in different ways.  One size doesn't fit all. 

In Belle's case, the only people that have spent time with her recently are Chari and I, and her foster mom Melissa who also happened to be her vet.  My own vet recently examined her.  Why am I saying this?  I'm getting lots of suggestions and recommendations.  Belle, Chari, and I appreciate the fact that you care.  Keep your comments coming.

But Melissa indicated that Belle hadn't had enough exercise when I picked her up and as a result her front leg muscles were underdeveloped.  I discussed the exercise program she is on with her and am following Melissa's recommendations.  Belle's a fairly large and rangy 65 pounds and her current weight is ideal for her frame.  Her food is being upgraded to the best dog food on the market.  She's 2 1/2 years old and other than sight has no physical issues.  She's walking at a 3 mile an hour pace for 40 minutes in the morning when it is cool.  I hope to get her out to 60 minutes within a few weeks.

The path we are taking her on is through a nature preserve.  It is wide so there is little chance she will run into anything at that speed, especially with a lead that is typically 4'.   We follow the same path every day so she has the route mapped in her mind.  Her walk is spirited and relaxed.  And while she was dragging a bit at the end the first few days (that doesn't mean I was dragging her), she's having no problems handling the speed and distance now.

That is not the only exercising she's doing.  We try to get her out for an at her own pace gradual walk at least once a day.

So relax.  Things are going beautifully.  ;-)

[al haskins]

We have raised two blind dogs. They both were great, but they worked best with another dog to show them the ropes. Dogs use their sense of smell mostly so slow walks are best at first. They are very worthwhile and we still miss them. Oh, don't move the furniture.

[Thomas, Chari, & Lady Belle]

Laurie, 

Let me respond to your very thoughtful post point by point.  I tried to send this by e-mail but I don't think it went through.

It is interesting you bring up your daughter.  My daughter Izzy was on a competitive ski team as a freshman in high school.  She was the number 2 skier on a team that qualified for state.  In practicing for the conference meet she wandered into a newly installed mogul field, flew through the air and landed on her face on ice.  She was in a coma for 8 days and in the hospital for 5 weeks from a frontal lobe injury to her brain.  She had to learn how to walk again.  She went through physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.  She went through a severe bout with depression.  So when you talk about your daughter, I know exactly what you are talking about.

Today Izzy’s working on her masters degree in speech pathology and working with aphasia patients.  The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire thinks so much of what she went through and her attitude coming out of her recovery that they professionally produced a video where Izzy tells her story.  If you are interested, set aside 45 minutes and watch the story.  Make sure you have a box of Kleenex near by as this video will push a lot of your buttons.  I cry every time I view it.  It is riveting.  I speak professionally for a living and I am damn good at it.  But this kid is going to be a rock star!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdkA-3pidN4

Yes, her goals needed to be modified somewhat.  We weren’t going to let her ski competitively again.  Glass blowing became her ‘danger sport.’  And we worked extensively with the school to make sure she got the accommodations she needed.  But feeling sorry for her and pity were not part of the equation.

We’re considering adding another dog.  But all the books on the subject say wait 3-6 months.  I have a feeling that if we add another dog, it will be Belle showing the new dog the ropes, rather than the other way around.

I watch those cues very closely.  This is our second blind dog and our second rescue.  Coco was near the end of his life when he went blind.  Our primary goal was to make him as comfortable as possible - nothing intrusive or invasive – so he could live out the rest of his life as peacefully as possible.

Belle is far different.  At 2 1/2 years she is in the prime of her life.  If she had remained sighted, there is no question she would be a pack's Alpha female.  I’m not convinced she wouldn’t be, even now, as a blind dog.  Other than being blind, she has no other disabilities.  The purpose of the aerobic walks is to upgrade her cardiovascular and muscular strength as she wasn’t getting enough exercise.  It also helps me, as I’m a heart patient.

There was a fairly extensive discussion of whether a dog park is the right place for Belle on DoodleKisses last weekend.  The dog park I take her to is not at all typical.  It is at least 40 acres, primarily restored prairie with a variety of paths running through it.  The prairie is so high that unless a dog is on your path you don’t see it.  I take her on week days during the work day when dog/owner traffic is light – no more than 10-15 cars which translates into 15-25 dogs spread across 40 acres.  Today we might have encountered 8 dogs, never more than three at a time, in 90 minutes in the park. We always take the same route and she has that route mind mapped.  I function as her eyes letting her know when a dog is approaching.  Each trip she gets more and more self-confident.  Today she was wandering off exploring side paths.  In our last trip, I saw her run for the first time.  She knows if she returns to the gravel road, I’ll be there.

My goal at the dog park is to let her explore.  There is no death march at the dog park.  I hate to give up that resource because it is the only place we have available where she can explore unleashed.  But I keep a very close eye on this precious girl.  The only congregation of dogs is at the double-gated entrance/exit.  If there is a lot of congestion, I leash her until it has cleared then guide her through a route where interaction with other dogs is manageable.  If problems pop up at the dog park, I’ll pull her from that activity in a heartbeat.

As for your comment about her being bombarded with situations, I hear what you are saying.  She has adjusted very well to this move so far.  Yes she has a ways to go.  She is running well ahead of Coco, my first rescue, for this length of time.  I expected a blind dog to take longer.  Just the opposite is happening.  I think it is a combination of type A spirit and the fact she has had to adapt to so many different situations in the last eight months.  As for personality, that is already emerging.  She can be very stubborn when she wants something.  That wasn’t the case a week ago.  If she feels like rough housing, she pesters me until we start the rough house game.  Pace is all about the individual dog.  Personally, I think she is thriving in this situation.

The 'death marches really aren't as sever as she (I) make them sound.  Unfortunately Chari has allergies and we are trying to keep the quantity of contact down to quality wake time.  So the bedroom door is often blocked with a laundry basket.  She often sleeps just outside the door where she can hear us and smell us.

Thank you for caring so much.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

You are so thoughtful, Laurie!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Hi Thomas, I have been following Belle's adventures and I have been thinking a lot about Belle. I have never had a blind dog, so you can take what I say with a grain of salt, but I did have a daughter born with all kinds of stuff who had years of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Without going into too much detail, our daughter attended a special school for the first 5 years of her life, eventually mainstreamed to regular school, and eventually graduated from college. Why am I telling you all of this when you are talking about a blind dog? Well, like you, we never felt sorry for our daughter, although we had compassion and great sympathy for the adaptations that she had to make that other kids did not.  We told her she could do anything, but in reality, there were several things she couldn't do physically through no fault of her own. We enrolled her in gymnastics so she could be with her sister and after watching her land on her back and her head several times because she did not have the same strength in her arms, we decided art might be a better avenue.

Belle is special. There are things that will have to be done differently just because she has no sight.  This does not mean anyone is coddling her or making her feel less than she can be, but just an adaptation to help her live her best life.  She is new to your house and I know from adopting an 11 year old dog from a rescue organization, who came from a foster family who had tons of dogs and other animals, going to a home without other dogs is very different for these dogs. I always thought Honey would have done better if we had other dogs, because she had severe separation anxiety and like Belle, had been uprooted more than once. Right now, Belle is still in her wanting to please you stage, because she is confused and a little insecure at having a new home with new people and starting all over again. I think you are doing a wonderful job of loving Belle, but I just want to say that sometimes we must take our clues from our dogs. Our Fudge hates dog parks. I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her in one. She is watchful and wary and she has her sight.  Belle is being bombarded with all kinds of new situations....a new home, a new person, new furniture, new surroundings, and she doesn't really have a clue what is expected of her at this point. She wants to please you in all things, because that is what dogs want to do for their people. While I don't think she needs anyone to feel sorry for her, she does need extra care in slowly adapting to her new life and new home. She has to first feel secure with you and know she is safe, before the real Belle will emerge and maybe that means more time with just you and less time with so much stimuli. I think sometimes we project what we would like onto our dogs and in reality I think they just want to be with their people. My husband tells me all the time he has never had two dogs he has had to entertain so much and that is on me, because I tell myself Vern is bored and needs to go out, yet when I am not there, they tell me he is fine.  I so get wanting to make our dogs happy.

Also, on walks, smelling would be Belle's way to get a feel for her surroundings, and I am wondering if letting her do more of that and less of the "death march" would make for a more relaxing walk for all of you. And just because I am on a roll, your wife and you are Belle's pack now and moving her bed to your room where she can smell you and hear you could really help her feel like she belongs.

As you can tell I have been thinking a lot about Belle and my experiences with our daughter. You can tell me to mind my own business.....my kids sure do....but, I wish you only the best and commend you for taking a chance on Belle when many others were not interested. I can tell you really love her and if I can tell, I am sure Belle can feel it. I guess what this long winded response is trying best to say is to just take it slow with Belle and know that by adapting for her blindness in no way means you do not think she is whole. I hope that makes sense and I really do wish all of you the best. Let me know if I can help in any way. We are all rooting for you.