Thursday is National Specially-abled Pets Day!
This holiday is recognized and celebrated annually every May 3rd!
National Specially-abled Pets Day encourages adoption always and for people who would like to bring a new furry family member home, to consider a specially-abled pet.
This holiday is recognized and celebrated annually every May 3rd!
National Specially-abled Pets Day encourages adoption always and for people who would like to bring a new furry family member home, to consider a specially-abled pet.
Daphne and me!
Many of you already know that I brought home my specially-abled, one-eyed dog Daphne nearly 7 years ago!
But what most of you don’t know, is that Daphne lost her sight completely and suddenly last month.
I had a much harder time adjusting than Daphne, so was unable to write about it until now.
I will be eternally grateful to Karen Goodale and her wonderful website BlindDogs.net.
Her dog Lucy is a Jack Russell Terrier that suddenly went totally blind the same way Daphne did – from SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome) in September 2004.
But what most of you don’t know, is that Daphne lost her sight completely and suddenly last month.
I had a much harder time adjusting than Daphne, so was unable to write about it until now.
I will be eternally grateful to Karen Goodale and her wonderful website BlindDogs.net.
Her dog Lucy is a Jack Russell Terrier that suddenly went totally blind the same way Daphne did – from SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome) in September 2004.
Lucy!
At the time, Lucy was just 2 ½ years old. Karen created her website after learning how often blind dogs that are otherwise perfectly healthy are put to sleep. Her hope is to make people aware of what happy and fulfilled lives blind dogs can still have! The website offers support and information to help other dog owners that are adjusting to life with a newly blind dog, or a dog that may slowly be losing their sight – and let us pet-parents know we are not alone! Most importantly, BlindDogs.net reminds us that blind dogs see with their hearts!
I am also so very grateful for friends like Liz Thoresen.
Liz is a wonderful portrait artist, and she created this beautiful pastel painting of Daphne for me.
I am also so very grateful for friends like Liz Thoresen.
Liz is a wonderful portrait artist, and she created this beautiful pastel painting of Daphne for me.
©2012 Liz Thoresen, Daphne
I was so afraid when I first suspected that Daphne was losing her sight, but had only talked with family about my concerns. Yet somehow Liz seemed to know; that week in the mail I received a wonderful magazine article and note in the mail from Liz. The article was entitled Outta Sight! from the Winter 2010/11 issue of Modern Dog magazine. The note from Liz and magazine article really lifted my spirits.
Since becoming completely blind, Daphne has adjusted quickly and amazingly well!
She is such an inspiration to me…she always has been, but even more now than ever!
Daphne’s blindness has been another journey, another learning experience, and the bond between us has only grown stronger, the trust between us even deeper. I wanted to share with you a few things Daphne has taught me.
12 Important Things I’ve learned from my dog Daphne:
1. Never give up!
2. Live in the present.
3. Never be embarrassed of showing enthusiasm and excitement.
4. Go for lots of walks.
5. Take lots of naps.
6. Don’t hold grudges.
7. Stick close to the people you love.
8. Find joy in the little things.
9. See with your heart, not just your eyes.
10. Listen carefully.
11. Do the things you love.
12. An old dog can learn new tricks!
Have a great beginning to your week!
Mary^
Since becoming completely blind, Daphne has adjusted quickly and amazingly well!
She is such an inspiration to me…she always has been, but even more now than ever!
Daphne’s blindness has been another journey, another learning experience, and the bond between us has only grown stronger, the trust between us even deeper. I wanted to share with you a few things Daphne has taught me.
12 Important Things I’ve learned from my dog Daphne:
1. Never give up!
2. Live in the present.
3. Never be embarrassed of showing enthusiasm and excitement.
4. Go for lots of walks.
5. Take lots of naps.
6. Don’t hold grudges.
7. Stick close to the people you love.
8. Find joy in the little things.
9. See with your heart, not just your eyes.
10. Listen carefully.
11. Do the things you love.
12. An old dog can learn new tricks!
Have a great beginning to your week!
Mary^
