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Sunday, December 29, 2019

Black Dog Sunday

It's been a bit of a hard week for our Black Dog. He's showing signs that the last of his vision is truly gone. He's been getting stuck in places around the house and he calls for help by barking. We help him move through the house to where he wants to be. As he walks, he appears to be feeling the ground in front of him with his toes.

I have no doubt that he'll adapt, and we'll learn how to better help him. For example, we are thinking about marking his common routes in the house with an essential oil so that he can follow his nose.

We played one of his favorite games outside today - the treat on his nose game. Don't worry - it doesn't seem to involve much vision for him to snarf a treat from his nose.

When I said that it was time, he launched the treat, and it really looked like he was about to snarf it.

But, he just barely missed. Nonetheless, I adore the look on his face!
He's played the game so many times over his lifetime that he has the motion and timing memorized - and I think that he can do it almost as well without vision.

Our Black Dog still seems happy and enthusiastic about life. His blindness is harder for us humans to handle than for him. I expect that his confidence will return much sooner than we might think.

Our Black Dog makes me smile every single day.
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18 comments:

  1. Yamini MacLeanDecember 29, 2019 at 5:33 AM

    Hari OM
    Darling R... you will never be lost with all that Love around you!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  2. DukeDecember 29, 2019 at 6:22 AM

    We absolutely adore you, R, and yes, we're smiling at your funny face☺

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  3. MadSnapperDecember 29, 2019 at 7:22 AM

    that last look is priceless! you are such a beautiful Boy, sweet R... my heart aches for all of you, but I know you will figure out how and what he needs to deal with this.. I once saw a blind horse, due to disease he had both eyes removed. he had a seeing eye horse in the field with him, the horse had a bell on it and the blind horse moved every step with the other horse. it made me laugh and cry at the same time. hugs to all of you

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  4. liparifamDecember 29, 2019 at 8:17 AM

    Dear R... I think it's harder for older dogs to adapt to the loss of vision - we all become unsteadier and less confident in our movements as we age, and blindness obviously takes that to an entirely different level. Per the above comment, putting a bell on Shyla's collar could be helpful. Having said that, my old, blind Boo exhibited this behavior, too, and I believe some of it (like getting trapped in corners) was due to age-related senility, compounded by her blindness. Whatever the reasons for R's behavior, he obviously remains his loving and beloved self :)

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  5. Millie and WalterDecember 29, 2019 at 9:00 AM

    Your black dog makes us smile too. We're sure his nose found that treat quickly after the near miss.

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  6. Tails Around the RanchDecember 29, 2019 at 9:02 AM

    Happy and enthusiastic are key attributes to life with a senior dog. Thanks for making me smile this chilly morning.

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  7. lexitheschnauzerDecember 29, 2019 at 10:34 AM

    You are so right about dogs adapting well to blindness. My 1st schnauzer was mostly blind by 5 and I never realized it until I took her somewhere unfamiliar.

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  8. Brian's Home BlogDecember 29, 2019 at 10:37 AM

    We're sad to hear that R's vision is gone but he will adapt before you know it. R is wise and very precious.

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  9. bethDecember 29, 2019 at 11:56 AM

    I am so glad R is in such a loving family, his blindness will be easier with all the love around him.

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  10. Hailey and Zaphod and their LadyDecember 29, 2019 at 12:13 PM

    We are sure with your love and help he will quickly adjust to his inability to see.

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  11. Bella Roxy & MacduiDecember 29, 2019 at 12:32 PM

    You are right, blindness is harder for humans to take, than animals. The oil trails sound like a good idea.

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  12. ~Kim at Golden Pines~December 29, 2019 at 12:52 PM

    Your bond, all the lessons you've taught him and all the love he's had his entire life will truly be what guides all of you through this chapter.

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  13. My Mind's EyeDecember 29, 2019 at 1:13 PM

    R just seeing you makes me smile but when you show off your amazing agility and coordination I clap too.
    Hugs Cecilia

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  14. QuinnDecember 29, 2019 at 6:52 PM

    I've heard so many stories from people marveling at how well their dogs adapted to blindness, I feel sure it must be so. I also know how hard this must be for you, and my heart goes out to you. Big hug, KB.

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  15. Carola BartzDecember 29, 2019 at 8:04 PM

    I think animals adapt much faster than humans. I love this series of pictures of him, the expression on his face is priceless. I'm pretty sure that his blindness will not diminish his happiness.

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  16. jank1961December 30, 2019 at 6:25 AM

    We are sad to hear that R is losing his vision completely. However, we have no doubt he will adapt and you will as well. He'll probably help you with it more than you will help him. ♥
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  17. Idaho PugRanchDecember 30, 2019 at 4:27 PM

    Dear R you have wonderful support from your family and we know you will all adapt
    hugs
    Mabel & Hilda

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  18. The PadreDecember 30, 2019 at 4:51 PM

    This Post Touched Me With A Full Spectrum Of Emotions - The Photos, A Royal Classic - A Trail Of Essential Oil, Brilliant - I Have Never Crossed Paths With BLK Dog, Feel Like He Is My Own - I Am So Thankful That BLK Dog Chose You So Many Years Ago - Stay Strong During These Upcoming Restless Nights - If You Guys Need Anything, Don't Hesitate

    Big Hugs

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