blind dog livin': pug, meet cataract
// 2009.08.26The cataract in her left eye is pretty much fully developed by now. It's very shiny and reflective - which is complicated when I want to photograph her, because one eye reflects SO much more light than the other that it can look odd. :)
It's really odd having a blind dog. You don't realize how different it is in your home until someone else tries interacting with her. Then, it's obvious: so much of what I do every day makes allowances for her blindness, from wearing jingly anklets, snapping my fingers or clapping my hands to help her find me, all the voice commands, etc. It's become so much a part of our daily routine that we don't even think twice about it.
But you know when you do think twice about it? When you want to go on a honeymoon. Because realistically, most boarding places just wouldn't know what to do with a blind dog. And her maintenance - three walks a day, three sets of eye drops a day, voice commands for going up and down risers, etc. - means she's rather a handful to dump on a family member or a friend.
As a result, the hubbytobe and I have rented a cottage for a week for the honeymoon so we can take the princess with us. Yes, that's right - our pooch is going on our honeymoon. *laughs* Which I never thought you'd hear me say eight years ago, but I feel much better knowing she'll be well cared for without being a burden on anyone - we're so used to managing her, it's not nearly the work it would represent to someone new to her!
Wonderful, velvety, photo. I love that Merry is going on your honeymoon with you! If it were your other children too then we might have to talk, that's called a family vacation. lol.
I haven't read yet if Merry is in the wedding? I at least want to know what she will be wearing. Oh, um, and you can tell more about your dress too, if you want to. Tee Hee.
Blessings and Peace.
1 : Allyson : August 26, 2009 6:54 PM
such a nice thing - to bring the princess along for the honeymoon; i would do the same.
i too have been wondering what role merry will play in your wedding. (she just has to be there!)
2 : Stephanie : August 26, 2009 7:18 PM
You are such a fantabulous pug mom!!! My pug is deaf, and her eyesight is starting to go, so I know how hard it can be~ but when you love them so much, you don't even realize it is "work". It is just a part of loving them!
3 : kristie : August 26, 2009 7:33 PM
aww, it's cute! :D Bella, my 4 year old mini-doxie, has the beginnings of a cataract in one eye, so we'll be going down that road too. We already see the doggie ophthalmologist a couple times a year for deposits in her eyes and ulcers on her eyes. I hope you enjoy your honeymoon! I really enjoyed taking my dogs on vacation last year and they'll go with us next year (have a family wedding this year... they're not invited!). :D
4 : Jacquie : August 26, 2009 8:47 PM
Angie,
My parents have blind Boston Terriers. At one point, three of their four dogs were blind (now they are down to two blind and one seeing). Sometimes I think it is harder on the owners than on the blind dogs themselves. Then again, they only have a short flight of stairs up and down the porch and they put obstacles on the side edges to keep them from falling off. As long as you don't move the furniture you wouldn't have known they were blind they get around so well. Merry is a doll and I think it's wonderful that you are bringing her with you.
5 : Rachel : August 27, 2009 8:50 AM
Every pug owner (dog owner in general) can understand your issues. My pug is hard of hearing, and I use lots of hand signals with him. No one else would be able to make him as comfortable as I can because of it.
6 : Ladyclaire : August 27, 2009 8:51 AM
We took our Scottie withus on our honeymoon. Rented a cabin on a lake.
7 : Abigail : August 27, 2009 9:56 AM
I'm the same way with my 3 pugs. Two of them are fine but one is a 'senior' and I am much happier with a good friend who will stay in our home with them while we are away rather then kennel them. It's less stress for them, less stress for me and everyone is much happier.
8 : Leona : August 27, 2009 10:08 AM
I think it is wonderful! My pug may not be blind or deaf but he has some behavioral issues that makes him almost unmanageable for my family to deal with and I know he would be miserable in a kennel. (he has some mild seperation anxiety as well). It is a lot less stress fo us and him when we are able to just load him into the car and take him with us! :)
9 : lex : August 27, 2009 12:26 PM
Angie - you are such a good momma. I love that your hubbytobe is on the same wavelength, too! While I did love my honeymoon far far away, I missed my pugs so much I talked about them incessantly - and practically drove my husband nuts! You are a true example for all of us. Thank you, can't WAIT to see weddings pics!
10 : Robyn : August 27, 2009 1:00 PM
Angie- we have a schnauzer who is totally blind from diabeties when he was 10 and a half. His eyes where inflammed. We tried to save the one but the surgery did not work. So he literally lost both eyes. We use the same commands as you do. Patience is an important word around here. Also their nose(smell)is unbelieveable. When we go for a walk at the park I have to keep up with him! He is off and running. Even when we were up at Chicago there was no hesitation or fear. Because he can not see at all I give him back rubs to stimulate his other senses. You are doing a great job. God Bless you, Diane
11 : Diane Inman : August 27, 2009 1:26 PM
Angie- it is me again, Diane. My daughter and son-n-law take very good care of our blind schnauzer when we go on trips. They do very well. They also have a pug who has PDE. She is a very special dog who is a joy to our whole family. God blesses in so may ways and these dogs are amoung the blessings.
12 : Diane Inman : August 27, 2009 1:33 PM
I think my dog is going blind....
13 : Keyla Escribano : September 21, 2009 6:27 PM
I've got two pugs (3 yrs), both of which have highly reflective eyes. For the most part this isn't a problem, but when I look at their eyes, both dogs have a least one eye that looks just like what your Merry has (really milky)! This constantly worries me! I've been to the vet and they say that nothing's wrong, but I still feel paranoid. Any experience you can pass on?
14 : Carolyn Rogers : October 21, 2009 2:36 PM