Mariner's sight continues to improve. DW is convinced he is REALLY seeing. He will go directly to a tennis ball to play with and can find it when it rolls away. If there is a toy on the couch he will go right to it.
We know that he does still have significant sight problems but he is able to compensate for most of it. There are things that he does from memory. You can sometimes see when he is outside - that he will only walk on specific routes.
It is hard to beleive that less than a year ago - he had no sight.
Boomer and Shayna are still a big help to him. One of them will always go out with him (we have the invisible fence). When Mariner is out with Boomer he always lets Boomer come in first.
He has been seizure free. He really is a success story.
Hi Andy, tried to find Mariner's "story" but don't see it on your page. I am so glad to hear he is improving though. I also see you are from NJ. We're in Long Valley; where are you? Your doods seem so sweet and beautiful! Nice to meet you! Lisa (Ziggy & Marley)
Andy ~
Thanks so much for the update, how wonderful : ) He is as lucky to be part of your family as you are to have bragging rights for this member of your family!
Mariner is the biological brother of Boomer an F1b GD from Bill & Betty of NC. Boomer will be 3 in a couple months. There is a website that many doodle owners from Bill & Betty frequent (annsdoodlechat.com). On this site were postings that one of the puppies of the summer litter had an accident. At 7 weeks old, he fractured his skull while playing. The breeders spent much time and money, ICU, specialists etc. Due to the accident Mariner was blind and had to be re-taught how to do everything from eating to pooping. Betty spent a great deal of time and effort rehabilitating this tiny puppy. Finally they were unable to continue to keep the puppy (although Betty was very attached). There were only two choices - find a home for him or .............. That alternative is difficult to tink about.
After talking to Betty and our vet we decided to adopt Mariner. We felt that with our other 2 doodles, our children and ourselves, he would be able to have a good life.
Over the last year he has gotten some sight and we ahve been able to eliminate the seizures