Hi, I am new to the list, wanted to introduce myself.  My name is Melissa
Webster.  The reason I joined this list, I hope this is okay, there is a one
year old blind GSD beautiful boy named Dodger.  He was going to be PTS at
the local shelter because he was blind.  (He started to go blind at six
months.)  The stupid owner said, "Well, I brought him to the shelter because
I thought someone might want him for breeding stock!"  Sheesh.  Anyway, if
anyone knows of a great special needs home who would be interested in
Dodger, please have them contact me at:  mell@...  Also, I will let ya'll
know... I had a beautiful 14 year old Golden mix that I had to euthanize
about four months ago.  When she was about nine years old, she lost her
sight.  We had her since she was six months old.  Jessy did very well with
being blind, except some of the dogs were starting to get annoyed with her.
So, I really don't have a special needs dog like that now, I do have Comet,
a nine year old Rat Terrier with one eye.  He's my sweet boy.  I also have
three greyhounds, one rhodesian ridgeback mix, one JRT, and one elderly
beagle.  I have three cats, five pygmy goats, and three potbellied pigs.  I
am the adoption coordinator for Home at Last Animal sanctuary, and also work
with local shelters helping pull and transport dogs.  I live on a small farm
in Kentucky.

Melissa Webster



Adoption Coordinator
Home at Last Sanctuary
www.homeatlastanimals.org

http://www.geocities.com/partlysunny_98/photopageceltic.html

Angie, I see you found the list!!  I think its great
they have one for deaf and blind since there seems to
be quite a few of them out there. Tommy is just a doll
baby. I cannot wait to hear when you get him home.
Keep us all posted!!
Debbie
--- Angie W <quiltingzoo@...> wrote:
> Actually you can view Tommy
> http://www.deafdogs.org/profiles/tommy2.html
> This picture is when he was younger. The date is on
> it. He is a doll.
> Angie
>   -----Original Message-----
>   From: Colleen Little [mailto:clittle@...]
>   Sent: Friday, August 24, 2001 1:04 PM
>   To: blind-deaf-dogs@yahoogroups.com
>   Subject: Re: [blind-deaf-dogs] New to the group
>
>
>   Hi Angie,
>   Tommy sounds like a very fine guy...he also sounds
> like Kelly, whose
> blindness is a result of micropthalmia ("small
> eyes")....since he's an
> Aussie too, the deafness is likely a result of lack
> of pigment cells in the
> cochlea (very important part of ear...the pigment
> cells "translate" the
> mechanical waves into sound for the brain to
> interpret and "hear"...very
> simplified explanation but I can provide the
> "expanded" version for those
> interested...thing is, if the breeder was trying for
> a lot of white
> genetically, then he or she likely got it! My guess
> is Tommy has NO
> colouring around the ears...ironicly, the same cells
> that produced his
> lovely white colouring also caused his
> deaness...actually, I should say LACK
> of colouring...no pigment cells to ears=white...no
> pigment cells to ears
> also= no pigment cells in cochlea to attach to nerve
> cells and so no "sound"
> signals to brain)...
>
>   Well, I truly hope I haven't confused you more!
> Thing is, you're expecting
> a beautiful baby so no matter the cause (except we
> MUST educate the
> breeders)....
>   Kelly sends kisses and licks to Tommy...she's very
> friendly and though
> spayed, LOVES the boys! By the way, several of the
> kids here (mostly blind)
> are VERY small; Kelly is OH SO VERY gentle with
> them! I am sure Tommy and
> the Bostons will do just fine...perhaps they can
> have a tea party? (haha, a
> little Canadian humour for y'all!)
>   Kindest regards,
>   Colleen and kids
>
>
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>
>
>
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=====

Wow!! This list sure is growing fast!!!
                                             Daisy was rescued from the mill
with one eye removed (long ago) and the other had ruptured and was removed
recently.She  had severe ear infections and her deafness was not suspected
until a couple of of weeks ago. Along with a malignant mammary tumor, and a
UTI, her emaciated condition and age ( 8 ) her adoptability was questionable.
(DUH! I, personally would question the mental stabilty of anyone wanting this
dog! But now that she's with me, well, that's different :)
She has been here 7 days. She has learned the layout of our house. She has
established that she is a CHOW HOUND. She is an accomplished escape artist.
She loves to sleep on people. And, she likes to lay on the big braided rug in
the living room near the other dogs.
                                                     After eight years of mill
life (and heavily tatooed to prove it), My boyfriend Joel says she just wants
a chance to be a DOG. He noticed yesterday that she was infact following me
room to room after I came home from work. wow. If she continues to evolve at
this rate, we may change her name to Calamity Jane.     If this dog can
succeed, any blind-deaf dog can be reached.                 Randa and co

I have a recent rescue who is about 98% blind and deaf.  He had a bit
of sight when he came so at least figured out the layout of the house
and yard.  While I worry about him, he doesn't :-)  He's a typical
butt-wiggling cocker and honestly, the butt never stops.  I am amazed
by his spirit.

I'm also owned by two blind dogs, a doberman and a chihuahua ... but
at least their hearing is still good and they get around fine.  It is
definitely a challenge, having both senses severely impaired.  I
don't consider this boy adoptable anymore (I took him sight unseen)
but he can stay for as long as he needs to.:-)

Jude

Senior Canine Rescue Society
http://www.seniordogrescue.org
"Hug an Old Dog Today"

--- In blind-deaf-dogs@y..., shewolf6712460@a... wrote:
> Hello Everyone! Has anyone had experience with a deaf AND blind
mill
> rescue?

-----Original Message-----
From: Colleen Little [mailto:clittle@...]
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2001 1:04 PM
To: blind-deaf-dogs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [blind-deaf-dogs] New to the group

Hi Angie,

Tommy sounds like a very fine guy...he also sounds like Kelly, whose blindness is a result of micropthalmia ("small eyes")....since he's an Aussie too, the deafness is likely a result of lack of pigment cells in the cochlea (very important part of ear...the pigment cells "translate" the mechanical waves into sound for the brain to interpret and "hear"...very simplified explanation but I can provide the "expanded" version for those interested...thing is, if the breeder was trying for a lot of white genetically, then he or she likely got it! My guess is Tommy has NO colouring around the ears...ironicly, the same cells that produced his lovely white colouring also caused his deaness...actually, I should say LACK of colouring...no pigment cells to ears=white...no pigment cells to ears also= no pigment cells in cochlea to attach to nerve cells and so no "sound" signals to brain)...

 

Well, I truly hope I haven't confused you more! Thing is, you're expecting a beautiful baby so no matter the cause (except we MUST educate the breeders)....

Kelly sends kisses and licks to Tommy...she's very friendly and though spayed, LOVES the boys! By the way, several of the kids here (mostly blind) are VERY small; Kelly is OH SO VERY gentle with them! I am sure Tommy and the Bostons will do just fine...perhaps they can have a tea party? (haha, a little Canadian humour for y'all!)

Kindest regards,

Colleen and kids

 

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Hi to all,
My name is Angie and I live in Washington.
I am new here. I am adopting an aussie male pup who is 4-5 months
old. He will be home next week.I am so excited. I also have joined
from the deaf dogs. I also have 3 (suppose to be) hearing boston
terriers. On some days that is debatable. I also have 3 parrots of
whom one is handicapped and a parakeet. I also have a 2 1/2 year old
son. I am an overtime stay at home. I just joined weight watchers. I
quilt and sew.
Do you think it is worth the time and costs to find out exactly where
Tommy's eyesight is? He is stone deaf and has some vision problems
with one eye being smaller than the other. I cannot remember the
technical term for it.
I will let everyone know once I get Tommy. I am going to pick him up
on Tuesday.
Angie

Hi, I'm Dayle, and I just joined from the deaf dog list as well.  I
hope to help Jan out with Avalon, and will be looking hard for a
forever home for her.  This list is a godsend!
-Dayle, mom to:
  Orville (deaf bi-blue white sheltie pup) and
  Wilbur (hearinb bi-black sheltie littermate)


--- In blind-deaf-dogs@y..., "Janice" <jany@h...> wrote:
> Hi all...I just came over from the Deaf Dogs.  I do not have any
blind
> babies but I sure would like to learn learn learn.  Today, I am
going
> to be rescuing a deaf/blind aussie from a SoCal shelter for
adoption.
>  If anyone is interested or can help out, please contact me or
Dayle.
> This Aussie is a real love and very friendly.  I saw her yesterday.
> Glad you started this group!
>
> Jan
> mum to deafies Kelsey & Possum
> and hearing Darla, Val & Blue

I was hoping you could post this message for me.  I am with a rescue
group called PetHelpers in Austin, TX and just recently my mother and
I rescued a litter of puppies from Town Lake Animal Center.  they are
full blooded aussie's and the breeder was trying to breed dogs to get
a reverse merle (Sp).  Well he got one!   She is 3 months old white
with the blue merle patches on her.  The only thing is she is deaf.
Not a problem though because she is the most wonderful, prettiest,
sweetest cuddle puppy in town.  No one has wanted to adopt her
because of the training she needs.  So if anyone out there is looking
for a special new addition to their family please feel free to
contact me at 512-576-8328.  All of our dogs are current on all shots
on heartworm preventative and if old enough are spayed or neutred.
If they are not old enough we require that they are done when they
come of age and we give you a voucher to have that done at no cost.
Thank you,
Diane Cluiss
Pet Helpers
"We love em 'till you do"
--

Hi all...I just came over from the Deaf Dogs.  I do not have any blind
babies but I sure would like to learn learn learn.  Today, I am going
to be rescuing a deaf/blind aussie from a SoCal shelter for adoption.
  If anyone is interested or can help out, please contact me or Dayle.
This Aussie is a real love and very friendly.  I saw her yesterday.
Glad you started this group!

Jan
mum to deafies Kelsey & Possum
and hearing Darla, Val & Blue

Cathy Curran

Monday AM to Friday 5PM 212.459.9525

Saturday and Sunday 570-894-2070

Other and All CELL 917*414*9027

Hi, Margie!  Welcome.  I'm sorry to hear of Kymmy's turn of events.  You
should learn a lot here but I will suggest, too, that you look at blinddogs
as well.  You don't say any of these precious guys are deaf and this list
was actually just created (Thank you, Linda!!!) for those of us with dogs
both blind AND deaf...sometimes training, adjustment, etc. is different when
they can't hear, either.  The blinddogs list is for dogs just blind but
still with hearing.  You might want to check them out, too!  In the mean
time, if you have any questions or concerns or just need to vent, let us
know.  I don't have experience with dogs going blind, as my Stevie has been
blind and deaf since birth, but I know some people have suggestions about
how to make it easier for them and about their transition to blindness.

Good luck to you!

Heather
Mom to Stevie, blind and deaf Aussie pup
and a bunch of others! :)


>From: "Margie" <dookdook@...>
>Reply-To: blind-deaf-dogs@yahoogroups.com
>To: blind-deaf-dogs@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [blind-deaf-dogs] New to list
>Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 12:38:50 -0000
>
>Hi,
>Just found the posting on another list.  Sadly, to say my Kymmy poodle
>of supposedly 3 years, is going blind.  This list is going to be a
>blessing to me.
>
>We, Kymmy, toy poodle, Puddin, mini dauchs, and me live 2 miles north
>of Scott AFB in ILL.  I've had Kymmy for about a year now.  She came
>to me as a rescue after being used as a breeder and then turned in
>"they didn't want her anymore."  They lied about her being spayed, so
>I am not really sure of her age.  The gray clouds are slowly coming
>over her eyes and her disposition is showing it.
>
>It is tearing my heart out to see my little girl, going blind.  I want
>to make her as safe and happy as I can.
>
>Thanks
>Margie
>


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Los Chavez Animal Rescue has a 4 year old blind Shar Pei, Partly deaf
that needs to be adopted in to a secure, loving home that is safe for
her. See http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/NM11.html

Quote from an e-mail of the late
Sad News - Jackie Slayman, Founder, West Kentucky Rescue May 10, 1949
to Aug 19,

It is harder on a dog to go blind than one who never had sight like
Mr.
Peepers. He was born without eyes and is also deaf. But, I wouls not
trade
him for any other dog in the world. He is wonderful.
They usually have an adjustment period, but if they already know hteir
way
around the house and you do not move any furniture they do very well.
You
need to be careful around other dogs. Sometimes they will pick on
sightless
dogs. It seems as though they know they have the advantage!
Most dogs adapt to the blindness, I have 4 dogs here and all are so
normal,
sometimes I forget they are sightless. Do not change anything in the
way you
treat her. Just let her know you are there for her and love her. She
will
work through it. They are tougher than many people think.
If you can have the surgery done that is great, but if not she will
adapt, I
am sure!
I know this does not seems like the best or good advice. I believe
some
folks go to the extreme with a blind dog. My best to you is love her,
treat
her as a normal dog other than caring to make sure she is in a safe
environment. You will need to change anything in you house that is eye
level
to her that could injury her. I treat all my blind dogs that way and
they
adapt much better. I will continue to take in blind dogs and adopt
them to
specail homes and love them myself.
I you have anyother questions please ask. Please visit Mr. Peeprs on
our web
site listed below.

http://www.bittybabies.com/contest  will take you to Mr. Peppers and
then to his page.

Hi,
Just found the posting on another list.  Sadly, to say my Kymmy poodle
of supposedly 3 years, is going blind.  This list is going to be a
blessing to me.

We, Kymmy, toy poodle, Puddin, mini dauchs, and me live 2 miles north
of Scott AFB in ILL.  I've had Kymmy for about a year now.  She came
to me as a rescue after being used as a breeder and then turned in
"they didn't want her anymore."  They lied about her being spayed, so
I am not really sure of her age.  The gray clouds are slowly coming
over her eyes and her disposition is showing it.

It is tearing my heart out to see my little girl, going blind.  I want
to make her as safe and happy as I can.

Thanks
Margie

Hello all,

This list is a great idea!  This is the third list I've found because
of my Jody-Boy!  He is an almost 14 yo Cockapoo, blind (cataracts,
spring 2001), fairly deaf, and diagnosed with kidney failure in
1/01.  It will be good to have a place where everyone can understand
the special challanges we (dogs and people) face.

Jody has really adjusted well to his total blindness and partial
deafness. In fact, we (myself, Jody, Lily (9 yo Bichon) and Comet (5
yo Husky mix) were just out in the yard playing and Jody ran in
circles wagging his tail, crouching down with his fanny in the air,
wagging his tail and having a great time.

As far as quality of life goes I think he is as happy as can be!  He
stills plays and goes on hikes with us. He has to stay on a leash at
all times now but he can still explore (he has a long detractable
leash), he spends alot of time sniffing around, he goes in the water
but prefers not to go so far out that he can't touch the bottom, he
still likes to sleep next to me, he can somehow still jump up on the
bed (it's pretty high) and, I think, has a pretty content and
comfortable life.

If this list is half as informative and supportive as the blind dogs
list it will be wonderful!

Tracey & Jody, and the rest of the gang!
tpilquist@...
Missoula, MT

hi heather norton here have two toy dactsunds named Itsi and bitsi
aand have an older cat named mandy with heart diesase vet said she
might not live past Cristmas.Bitsi is deaf and half blind and my lose
sight in both eyes they are four and a half moths. old sat.
heather norton ,itsi bitsi and mandy the cat

Hello, all.
I followed Heather over from the Deaf Dogs list. Thank you so much,
Heather for this post.

All, we got a b/d white Aussie two weeks ago. He can see some things
in certain light up close. We're still trying to figure out how much
he can see and which vibrating collar to get. We also have his
brother, who is sighted/hearing (both were abandoned on a country
road).

I'm so glad for this resource!

Marla (in Indiana, US)
Radar, mostly white and energetic
Jex, black tri/speckled nose, mild-mannered sprite


--- In blind-deaf-dogs@y..., "Heather P" <GiantCaninesNeedHomes@h...>
wrote:
> Forwarded from another list (ARF) where I went for help...they are
animal
> (mostly canine) behavior modification experts...
>
> This might help all of us, especially you, Dr. Deb, in your
decision!

.Has anybody dealt with this?
>I have always taken a firm stand on quality of life. And maybe its
>just my heart, but this little dog seems really interested in the
>world around her and appears relaxed and happy.Any ideas?

Yes!  All of us here are...I have Stevie, a deaf and blind aussie pup.  This
forum was actually just created today because there are many of us with dogs
both blind and deaf...

She probably is very relaxed and happy, especially having been removed from
her previous life!  Go to www.blinddogs.com and there is a section on blind
and deaf dogs that should provide you some information.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have and good for you for fostering
this little one!  I'm just learning myself and have many questions, too, but
have figured a lot out in the few short weeks Stevie has been in our lives.

Heather
Mom to
Stevie, deaf and blind aussie rescue
Kodak, newf/? mix rescue
Panda, newf/pyr rescue
Sampson, golden retriever





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Hello Everyone! Has anyone had experience with a deaf AND blind mill
rescue? Daisy is an 8 yr old Shih Tzu. Oddly, for a mill dog she is
adjusting pretty well.She wags her taill occasionally when petted and
only spins outside before potty. I've only been fostering her for a
week (I think she's here to stay).Has anybody dealt with this?
I have always taken a firm stand on quality of life. And maybe its
just my heart, but this little dog seems really interested in the
world around her and appears relaxed and happy.Any ideas?

http://aussierescuesocal.com/aussies_in_shelters.html

thanks for your help heather.
deb
 
 
 
 
 

Heather P wrote:

>they say she is very very sweet, walks on a leash and loves treats
deb

Then I say go for it!  You obviously want her, or you wouldn't be trying to
learn about her... :)

If she walks on a leash, she has had training...imagine yourself with no
sight and no sound, suddenly being tugged at by the neck...she's accustomed
to it.  Training will be a breeze!!  If you decide not to, please please let
the lists know so we can post her and see if someone else can help her.
We'll all be here to help you through your new journey!

Did you check out the info on blinddogs.com?

Heather

Original Post(s) from Deb follows:

Hi!!
i have a deaf mini aussie who is an absolute joy!!  we got her from
rescue at 4 months and have taught her sign language.  you would never
know she is deaf. she is also undergoing agility training and loves
it!!  we also have a hearing aussie who my deaf one has imprinted off
of.  my question is this...i have the opportunity to adopt a 3 year old
deaf AND blind aussie.  i can easily deal with deaf dogs, but am not
sure if this is even something i should attempt.  she is in a shelter in

southern calif http://aussierescuesocal.com/aussies_in_shelters.html
scroll down to Avalon.    do you know of any people who have deaf and
blind dogs?? how would i communicate??  any suggestions are much
appreciated as i know this sweet gal only has a few days left.

thanks
drdeb

unfortunately i know nothing more about her than she will be put down within
  a week (they think no one will want a  *damaged* dog).  they say she is
very very sweet, walks on a leash and loves treats.  i live in monterey
california and this dog is in san diego (8 hours south).  i have written to
them with many questions regarding her personality etc and am awaiting a
reply.

deb

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

>they say she is very very sweet, walks on a leash and loves treats
deb

Then I say go for it!  You obviously want her, or you wouldn't be trying to
learn about her... :)

If she walks on a leash, she has had training...imagine yourself with no
sight and no sound, suddenly being tugged at by the neck...she's accustomed
to it.  Training will be a breeze!!  If you decide not to, please please let
the lists know so we can post her and see if someone else can help her.
We'll all be here to help you through your new journey!

Did you check out the info on blinddogs.com?

Heather

Original Post(s) from Deb follows:

Hi!!
i have a deaf mini aussie who is an absolute joy!!  we got her from
rescue at 4 months and have taught her sign language.  you would never
know she is deaf. she is also undergoing agility training and loves
it!!  we also have a hearing aussie who my deaf one has imprinted off
of.  my question is this...i have the opportunity to adopt a 3 year old
deaf AND blind aussie.  i can easily deal with deaf dogs, but am not
sure if this is even something i should attempt.  she is in a shelter in

southern calif http://aussierescuesocal.com/aussies_in_shelters.html
scroll down to Avalon.    do you know of any people who have deaf and
blind dogs?? how would i communicate??  any suggestions are much
appreciated as i know this sweet gal only has a few days left.

thanks
drdeb

unfortunately i know nothing more about her than she will be put down within
   a week (they think no one will want a  *damaged* dog).  they say she is
very very sweet, walks on a leash and loves treats.  i live in monterey
california and this dog is in san diego (8 hours south).  i have written to
them with many questions regarding her personality etc and am awaiting a
reply.

deb



_________________________________________________________________
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Forwarded from another list (ARF) where I went for help...they are animal
(mostly canine) behavior modification experts...

This might help all of us, especially you, Dr. Deb, in your decision!

>Hey Heather,
I worked with a deaf and almost completely blind white Australian Shepard
>for a few months.  She was a blast.  What I mostly did was use a vibrating
>collar as a bridge and used different types of touching as cues, for
>instance, a double tap on the right of her nose meant "sit".
>
>  First, I'd highly recommend you get a good vibrating collar.  The collar
>I
>used had a slight delay.  This made me ALL too aware of how crucial timing
>is when using conditioned reinforcers.  It was like using a butter knife
>instead of a scalpal to operate (I've used this same analogy to compare
>using verbal bridges to a clicker or whistle).
>
>  Second, if the dog is not completely blind, you can also use very close
>hand signals and other items.  I used to use a palm out about 6" from her
>face to signal "heel".  Also, I would use a special rubber ball that had a
>blinking light in it to play fetch with her.  When the ball bounced, the
>light would go on.  This would cause her to chase the ball.  She'd run
>after
>it, but if the light went off, she'd leave it alone.  I'm not sure if they
>sell balls that continue to glow, but you might want to check it out.
>
>   Finally, you may want to consider teaching your dog a "come here"
>signal.
>  This will be especially helpful if he/she ever gets loose!  I worked on
>this for a little while with Helen, but she was adopted several weeks after
>we started the program.  What I basically did was waited until she moved
>away from me, then buzzed and treated.  I slowly increased the distance she
>had to move away from me before I buzzed.  My intention was to eventually
>have her move away far enough, hide myself, and then have her find me
>somewhere in the yard, like a hide and seek game.  Eventually, if she ever
>got loose, all the owner would have to do is buzz the collar...and in this
>way, it also always remained a bridge instead of just a cue for one
>response.
>
>    Working with Helen was one of my first big training experiences, and I
>learned quite a bit from it.  She taught me quite well to shut up during
>training, which I still attempt to adhere to.  She also taught me to watch
>every aspect of my own physical movements...she was quite attuned to them.
>One small bow, and she might be sitting up or darting left...this dog
>should
>have been the next Clever Hans.  It truly is amazing what a deaf and
>visually impaired animal can teach you about yourself...



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Hi!!
i have a deaf mini aussie who is an absolute joy!!  we got her from
rescue at 4 months and have taught her sign language.  you would never
know she is deaf. she is also undergoing agility training and loves
it!!  we also have a hearing aussie who my deaf one has imprinted off
of.  my question is this...i have the opportunity to adopt a 3 year old
deaf AND blind aussie.  i can easily deal with deaf dogs, but am not
sure if this is even something i should attempt.  she is in a shelter in

southern calif http://aussierescuesocal.com/aussies_in_shelters.html
scroll down to Avalon.    do you know of any people who have deaf and
blind dogs?? how would i communicate??  any suggestions are much
appreciated as i know this sweet gal only has a few days left.

thanks
drdeb