What you may not see about blind dogs
Offering a little added help reaps unexpected rewards
Blind dogs are a fascinating case study in adaptability. Unable to orient themselves visually in their environment, they employ memory, intuition, and their keen senses of smell and hearing to make up for a lack of vision. Many people naturally assume that blind dogs are dependent, depressed, or burdensome. Nothing could be further from the truth. Animal shelters sometimes assume blind dogs will be unadoptable, so they are often among the first to be killed. I grew interested in blind dogs and their amazing resourcefulness after adopting an abandoned blind dog several years ago. Tootsie showed me that blind dogs are resilient, powerfully motivated to understand the world around them, and fully optimistic. Sadly, Tootsie died of cancer in March, but I realized I could use what she taught me to help other blind dogs, and have launched a nonprofit called Tootsie’s Vision. Now we have, in our pack of six at home, Stanley and Porkchop, who were born blind. Like Tootsie, they continue to amaze me with their courage, relentless determination, and joy.
Despite their impressive compensatory tools, blind dogs would be helpless on their own. They all need help to feel—and be—safe and secure. What people can offer them are relatively minor supports. For example, owners often hum, whistle, shuffle, or even wear a bell so the dog can easily follow them. Until the dog is completely familiar with his home, some owners put air fresheners at doggie doors, use area rugs to create pathways across rooms and patios, and keep ticking clocks near water bowls. Some dogs are even fitted with so-called halo collars or vests (halosforpaws.com or muffinshalo.com) to keep them from walking into doors and walls until they learn their way around. Blind dogs can be trained to walk on leash, so long as their human watches carefully for obstacles. Games like “tug of war,” wrestling, and “find the hidden treat” keep blind dogs stimulated and curious. Balls or sticks with bells or electronic noise-makers can be used for games of fetch. When blind dogs come to live in homes with sighted animals, humans must act as mediators, helping guide the pack to understand that its new member is entitled to some deference. An occasional step onto another animal’s tail, or inadvertent body slam during a race to the food bowl, should not ignite a war. I have worked with my sighted dogs to be tolerant of Stanley and Porkchop, and aside from an occasional warning bark when a collision is likely, they now accept what they must perceive as odd canine behavior from two of their pack mates. Despite their customary confidence with things that are familiar, blind dogs can be fearful of strangers, unfamiliar noises, odd vibrations, and sudden movements. Stanley hates the sound of wind, Porkchop is very wary of new voices, and Tootsie quickly removed herself during minor canine spats. I make certain that our blind dogs have a quiet place where they can retreat, safe from the other dogs. Minor adjustments and accommodations like these can be easily accomplished by caring dog owners. Tootsie’s Vision hopes to educate the public about the responsibilities and joys of owning blind dogs. One cannot help but be cheered and inspired by their tenacity, chutzpah, ingenuity, and upbeat curiosity. Blind dogs do not bemoan their fate. They accept it, and continue to look forward to the start of each day. In addition to education, Tootsie’s Vision plans to fund medical procedures, support behavioral training, and act as an information center for dog owners and a networking conduit for rescue operations, sanctuaries, and public shelters. Our organization has already helped a desperately needy blind dog with extensive medical bills, and has been instrumental in helping dozens of doomed shelter dogs find safety in rescues and sanctuaries. Whether blinded by genetic conditions, injuries, age, or disease, vision-impaired dogs deserve to be treated respectfully and humanely. I can personally attest to the fact that investing a little extra time and attention on a blind dog reaps rich rewards of loyalty, devotion, love, gratitude, and (not least of all) inspiration.
Tootsie’s Vision is selling 2016 calendars featuring monthly photos of intrepid blind dogs. We encourage you to purchase one to support our work. Look for Tootsie on the cover! Ed Goodman has written our “Ask a Lawyer” column since 2011, which he calls a great adventure. He is now shifting focus to running his new nonprofit organization. We will miss him.
