Blind Puppy

I put in an application to adopt a puppy that was born blind. He is 3 1/2 months old. He was given to a rescue from a breeder because the breeder could not sell him. I don't even know if I will be chosen for this dog yet, but I don't think that they have many takers. The dog has been up for adoption for a while now. I have another dog. She is a fixed female. She is a Maltese and 2 years old.

I would appreciate any advice on any special accommodations I will need to make for the new dog due to his visual impairment. Thank you....chi

I don't have any advice to give, but I had to comment on this post because I was so happy to read this.

Way to go chitown for applying to adopt this precious pup! I hope you get her!

Before getting the dog, I would look for any local groups with experienced behavioral specialists/obedience instructors to work/trains dogs with disabilities. Always find out what available resources you have. There are several organizations out there. If you ever have to board your dog, make sure to find a facility that has well-trained staff to accommodate your dog. My only concern would be that puppies are very high energy and mischievous, and you would have to keep closer eye on anything the dog picks ups/chews (especially when it's not going to know what it is).

But really, that sounds awesome.

I'm really excited about your new puppy, and just want to tell you that you're an angel on earth! You are changing the life of this doggie, and when you change a life, you change the world!

I have several friends in the animal rescue business and I've known many blind doggies (through them). I'm in the Chicago-land area - feel free to PM me if you want a couple of connections. There are many great success stories with blind doggies (even blind and deaf!) and with your huge heart, I know this will work for you. Bless you!

Blind dogs do very well with another dog in the house, which you have. blind dogs do pretty well as long as their nose and hearing are good. They often do better than deaf dogs do (a deaf dog could startle easy because they don't hear you coming or obviously if they got out, calling them would not work. They can sense things through vibrations in the floor if you are heavy on your feet, etc, of course.

It's will be lucky to have you as a parent.

Good luck!

Good for you chi , I hope you get chosen , I have no advice at all , but just wanted to say what an amazing thing you are doing .

I've adopted a few special handicapped pets, never a blind puppy before but there are some great ways to learn about their needs you could take advantage of. I would type into google "Needs for blind puppy/dog" "Accomodations made for blind puppy/dog" "Introducing dog meeting blind dog" "Training a blind puppy" "Activities for blind dogs" "Activities for [insert breed here]". Kind of cover your basics then think plus more. Also think about getting advice from your vet's office. Your vet could of some useful information/referals.

Even on facebook you can join a blind pet support group or special needs pet group.

The pup should do really well. Since it's blind as a pup it doesn't really know what it's like to be sighted and they generally get along OK . It's great that you have a sighted dog for its companion animal . I had a cat that went blind around two years old and I have to say he did adjust . At that point though he knew the difference and he was very irritated by it . He was a very bright Siamese . So while he did adjust he was very irritated his whole life about it .

Yep, what others have said - that you have another doggo in the house will be a tremendous help to the pup.

I hope you get the pupper! (And I'd love to see pics! )

Well, I am starting to loose hope that I will be selected for this pup. It is a Shih Tzu. I think I forgot to mention that, and he is white with a little black on the ears. I keep looking to see if he is still available for adoption, and he is, but it has been a few days now and I have not heard a word. Not even a call to arrange a home check. I am starting to feel disappointed. I am a senior citizen, and maybe that is why they are holding out for what they consider to be a better candidate. I will keep everyone posted. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and advice. chi

Awww I am sorry.

I keep looking to see if he is still available for adoption, and he is, but it has been a few days now and I have not heard a word. Not even a call to arrange a home check. I am starting to feel disappointed. I am a senior citizen, and maybe that is why they are holding out for what they consider to be a better candidate.

I don't think they could do that. That is Age discrimination. Can you show up and see if the dog is available?

be patient. Rescues are all volunteers. Sometimes they take to the weekend or when they can to look through applications. I would in a week just email and tell them you have filled out an application and were following up just in case the form didn't go through perhaps. Do they have adoption events that you could go to and introduce yourself? Honestly, i have volunteered with rescue and most have families and activities and an application might sit for a few days or a week or so. Some dogs they also want to collect a couple applications on to make sure they are in the absolute best situation as well.

I don't think they could do that. That is Age discrimination. Can you show up and see if the dog is available?

They have the right to choose which person they think would be the best home for the dog. Just because they don't choose her, does not mean that its because of age. There could be another adopter who is a vet tech, or has had prior blind or deaf dogs, or is someone who knows the foster -- you never know. There are many rescues who LOVE to adopt to seniors that have quiet low traffic homes.

I will say if your age is over 80, they have every reason to want to adopt a young puppy to someone younger - especially a small breed that can live 12-20 years. Any rescue i have ever dealt with require a coadopter for older senior citizens - a close relative who is a suitable home that would take the dog if you died or went into nursing care -- or a relative that would carry out the wishes of returning the dog to the rescue and wouldn't just give it away or bounce it around the family.

But overall -- its only been a couple days -- relax! Sometimes volunteers get together to go over applications for special dogs where the placement has to be just right. I got a call 4 days after i filled out an application for one dog i adopted and one it took 3 weeks to get a call. I ultimately adopted both of them. THere was a third dog where they selected someone else - they felt because the other person lost their dog to cancer and didn't have another dog - and because i already had an existing dog to love -- that's why they went the way they did. So be patient. And are you open to a different dog if they decide someone else is a better fit or had applications before yours that they had already decided on?

It has been a few weeks and I still have not heard anything. I can check online if the dog is still open to be adopted, and it is. The shelter is about 100 miles from my home. I was particularly drawn to this dog, so I am not open to selected a different one. I am resigned to the idea that I will not be the one to adopt this dog.

I have a very sweet dog now....so I will just need to settle for that. Thank you for all the input. chi