Posted by shar on April 2, 2004, at 12:44:44
In reply to Blind dog on Prozac, posted by Dinah on April 1, 2004, at 15:03:40
((D))--
Very sorry to hear the pup's problem. That is so hard. You said she is 14; is she a big or little dog? I can't recall.My border collie (who passed some years ago) had terrible cataracts, but was not totally blind. However, she did stick much closer during her last year. I did a lot of touching, petting, reassuring, leading her with my voice, clapping hands softly to let her know where I was, or snapping fingers, or even just clearing my throat or coughing softly--you are probably doing all of that already. I would use my voice as much as possible, and touch (the other senses she still had).
I think I would try to treat your girl's condition like any other one she might have to accommodate--she will no doubt have times that seem terrible because you love her so, but I think animals do it without the trauma we might feel if it happened to us. Sort of like, whoa, what's this new thing...I don't like it a bit. And then they go on doing their thing as best they can.
It's very hard, and I'm sure you are doing wonderfully well in her opinion.
I have one dog that is deaf, and it's somewhat similar in a way. I have to touch him to get his attention, and face him to get a message to him. He does get mowed over at times (by me or the other dogs) because he doesn't hear us coming, or I'll turn around or go around a corner and there he is, or he'll turn around and plow into someone else.
OTOH all of my dogs tend to get stepped on a fair amount, just because they are always right under foot, or laying in a heap right in the middle of where I need to step (they have an uncanny ability to be in the exact spot). Twelve legs and 3 tails are hard to tiptoe through.
Best wishes to you, and I hope your girl feels better as she gets used to her condition. I will hope for a reversal of her loss.
Shar
poster:shar
thread:331386
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040331/msgs/331774.html