Frequently Asked Questions
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How old are you?
People often assume I am a senior dog because blindness happens a lot with old age. I was already blind when I was adopted at age 4. I believe I was born on September 22, 2012. |
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What breed are you?
The animal rescue guessed that I was a Maltese mix. Dawn was curious so she had my DNA tested. I am 100% Havanese which is a specific mix of breeds including Poodle. |
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How did you become blind? Were you born that way?
When the animal rescue sent me to a veterinarian, I was diagnosed with Retinal Detachment and Glaucoma in my right eye and Atrophy in my left eye. Atrophy means to waste away or deteriorate and my left eye was completely deteriorated -- that's why it is smaller than my right eye. I don't know when or how those things happened. Later, I was also diagnosed with Atrophy in my right eye and Cataracts. Because of the Glaucoma, I get the pressure tested in my eyes every six months. I use eye drops every day to manage the pressure and inflammation so I am always comfortable.
When the animal rescue sent me to a veterinarian, I was diagnosed with Retinal Detachment and Glaucoma in my right eye and Atrophy in my left eye. Atrophy means to waste away or deteriorate and my left eye was completely deteriorated -- that's why it is smaller than my right eye. I don't know when or how those things happened. Later, I was also diagnosed with Atrophy in my right eye and Cataracts. Because of the Glaucoma, I get the pressure tested in my eyes every six months. I use eye drops every day to manage the pressure and inflammation so I am always comfortable.
How do you get around since you can't see?
It took a little while, but I learned my way around my home from smell and memory. At first, I bumped into things a lot. Dawn, my BFF (best friend forever), keeps things in the same place most of the time and she picks things up off the floor right away.
When I am away from home, Dawn guides me with my leash and her voice. If we really need to get somewhere and I am going slow -- I am easily distracted by sounds and smells! -- then she carries me. When I am really overwhelmed, she definitely carries me so that I feel safe and can just take in all the sounds and smells.
It took a little while, but I learned my way around my home from smell and memory. At first, I bumped into things a lot. Dawn, my BFF (best friend forever), keeps things in the same place most of the time and she picks things up off the floor right away.
When I am away from home, Dawn guides me with my leash and her voice. If we really need to get somewhere and I am going slow -- I am easily distracted by sounds and smells! -- then she carries me. When I am really overwhelmed, she definitely carries me so that I feel safe and can just take in all the sounds and smells.
You don't have any teeth, so how do you eat?
That's true. I think my teeth were infected so they were removed by the veterinarian to prepare me for adoption. Even though my gums toughened up pretty well, I am more likely to eat if my food is soft. My BFF bakes homemade soft treats for me, but I can still eat crunchy cookies if they are broken into small pieces.
Kids, please remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day so they stay healthy.
That's true. I think my teeth were infected so they were removed by the veterinarian to prepare me for adoption. Even though my gums toughened up pretty well, I am more likely to eat if my food is soft. My BFF bakes homemade soft treats for me, but I can still eat crunchy cookies if they are broken into small pieces.
Kids, please remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day so they stay healthy.
What is your favourite food?
Doggy treats made of bacon are my very favourite thing to eat. It might surprise you, but I really like salad! Dawn chops the lettuce into really small pieces and mixes it with small pieces of meat and shredded cheese -- no dressing.
Doggy treats made of bacon are my very favourite thing to eat. It might surprise you, but I really like salad! Dawn chops the lettuce into really small pieces and mixes it with small pieces of meat and shredded cheese -- no dressing.
How often do you go to a groomer?
When I was first adopted, I went to a professional groomer a couple of times. I was the only dog there and Dawn was able to stay, but it was still stressful for me. Dawn watched carefully and bought some tools and figured out how to groom me herself. It is still a little stressful, but at least I am at home. I have a bath about every two weeks and can take time to air dry. Towel cuddles are wonderful and I always get a treat! About once a month I get my fur trimmed, usually the day after my bath so I've had time to relax after that. Dawn prefers to take me to a professional to have my nails trimmed.
When I was first adopted, I went to a professional groomer a couple of times. I was the only dog there and Dawn was able to stay, but it was still stressful for me. Dawn watched carefully and bought some tools and figured out how to groom me herself. It is still a little stressful, but at least I am at home. I have a bath about every two weeks and can take time to air dry. Towel cuddles are wonderful and I always get a treat! About once a month I get my fur trimmed, usually the day after my bath so I've had time to relax after that. Dawn prefers to take me to a professional to have my nails trimmed.
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What is your favourite toy?
I don't actually play with the toys most dogs like, such as ball, frisbees, and stuffies. Maybe it's because I didn't have any during my first four years and I don't really know what to do with them. Most of my joy comes from treats so I really like the ball I have that drops treats for me when I roll it. If there aren't any treats in it, I don't play with the ball. I also like my snuffle mat. It has pieces of felt for me to sniff and dig through to find treats. Any game that involves me finding treats is fun. Sometimes Dawn has me chase her through the house for treats. I can run around the house just fine because I know where everything is -- plus I am following Dawn. |
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