We're home

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

I can't thank you enough for all of the support while we were gone, thanks Delia and Rich for sending the updates. Hallie and I finally got home at 3 this morning. She was amazing on the trip I was so proud of her. It would have been a fun trip if we hadn't been there for the reason we were, it was great getting Sophie and Hallie together and seeing Rich and Deb and Sam, and we got to see Ron and Delia and Cyrus for about 4 minutes at the airport in Dallas. I am so glad my step mother came with us. I am so angry this vet couldn't see her sooner, but there is nothing we can do now. I am going to do my best to make her not only the happiest blind dog, but the happiest dog. It will take a lot of adjusting and learning together this morning has been kind of rough as she is so happy to be home and wants to do her normal racing about and playing but instead she only starts to go then stops or bumps into something, hard to watch. I hope this will all be a lot harder on me than her. She's been very inspiring already. Thanks again for all of the great posts you guys are the best.

[Ruth in MT]

Hugs and kisses.

[Rich]

DeeDee - empty your email inbox so I can send you email.  :meme:

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Thanks Ruth. 
I just cleaned it out Rich it should work now thanks looking forward to the pics!

[Spanish Teckels]

Welcome back to you all.  Often the worrying and not knowing are worse than adapting, we do hope this turns out to be your case, our hugs and kisses are winging their way to you right now. Bet you sleep well in your own beds tonight too.

[Gail]

Welcome home Dee Dee and Hallie, lots of love and warm thoughts for you from us here. xxxxxxxxxx

[Deb G.]

Glad to hear that you made it home.  Rich & I enjoyed the visit immensely-and I think that Sophie did too (Sam enjoys EVERYTHING).  I know that you and Hallie will develop an even closer relationship now.   Sophie's relationship with me has changed over the years, and it is because she needs me more than she used to.  But...with a leash on (she likes the choke better than the harness) she will even run (a favorite thing for her) with no problem-she trusts that I will steer her clear of obstacles.  We do this in open spaces, and I can tell that my little "rocket-girl" is still a rocket!  Things change.  We help them adapt.  They rely on us.  To Sophie, the nose is what she'd hate to lose.  She putters around all over the yard, busily sniffing away, have a fine time.   Just remember:  They wake up MORE PERFECT every day! 

[Delia and girls]

Glad to hear your home and safe. You 2 will develop a new routine and new ways to play. I know it's easier said than done but you will get there. She looks really good. You've done a wonderful job of keeping her healthy. I bet it WAS hard seeing her this morning, trying to play and bumping into things. She'll learn where things are and won't do that as much. At the same time, I bet it was nice seeing the old, playful Hallie. I hope you always know you're never alone. We're all here for you, whenever you need us. BTW, your stepmother rocks for going with you!

[Roberta]

Good to hear from you both and of course she was perfect....................Dee Dee she will be able to zoom around again after she sets up her mental map..........no furnture moves though. All our love and hugs to you both
Roberta Nick and da monsters

[Kathleen]

Glad to hear you made it home safely. 

[Kelly]

My Blusky is blind! He does super good I think. When we move stuff around whether its in living room or kitchen we show him what's been changed and he realizes it. He also does good when he has to go outside. He does great going out the front door and he also follows the other 4 when they're outside.

[auntydoxzz]

Glad you are home and very thankful that most of the news was good. Doxies are so smart they will learn quickly what works and what does not.  Just remember to be careful avoiding changing your furniture around on a regular basis.  I wonder if there is some way to get her "acquainted" with the things she runs into.  It may be better to try to get her outside to run around where there is less in the way. I will admit one struggle I had with Twinkie once she could not see was the 2 steps out of the back door. She was already pretty old then and did not realize there was a step there. But in the house, she never had problems running into things.

I wonder if there is a way to fix your problem maybe with scents or sounds?  I will also say that it will likely be much harder for you than her. I suspect as long as you still have places for her to do the running, she will quickly learn where not to!!

[Cheryl]

Welcome back home Dee Dee and Hallie...bless her little heart ..she's such a little trooper...She's very lucky to have you in her life to help and care for her...hugs to both of you

[papbouv]

Glad you both got home going to ask a question what is your reaction when Miss Halie runs into something ? It will take time for her to have the confidence to run and do things  you use too bet you two can still play I'm going to get you game. Maybe put a little bell on your shoe if the tie up,exaggerate your shuffling back wards, you just both have to adjust good luck to both of you Rays & Hugs too you both.

[Brekkesmom]

We join the others in saying we're glad you're home.  I am sure it was an exhausting trip, so now you girls can rest and get your energy levels back.  I am glad you did not have to fly and do your traveling alone.  I think that would have been harder to deal with.  I am sure that once you get it down to a routine, you AND Hallie will adjust to this fork in the road much easier!   {{{hugs}}}

[Barb]

Glad you are home safe and sound.  Sending boatloads of prayers and rayz for you and our Hallie as you both embark on this next humbling adventure.  You are both an inspiration to all of us - once you both "figure it out", it will just be your way of life.   

[BonniesMom]

A hug for you and a smooch and snuggle to the Lovely Hallie.  She's gonna be just fine, Mom.

[papbouv]

Rays & Hugs just because we care Patches & Buddy,Papbouv

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Thanks I needed to hear all this, so far it's been pretty rough, she is walking into everything and obviously is totally lost in different rooms she should know, she will very slowly walk around and crouch down and move her way around the room, sometimes she looks scared, other times she seems to just be determined. It really sucks and breaks my heart especially when she wants to do her Hallie leap up in the air, spin and tear off running, she starts to then will just sit and look confused. I am letting her navigate as much as I can without helping her, so she learns to do it the best she can. Papbouv when she bumps into something I either don't say anything or I will say something upbeat and continue on, while dying a thousand deaths inside. Today she wanted to take off in the back yard I could tell so I put her harness and leash on and ran with her and guided her. She did pretty well she leaps higher than she needs to. She fell off the end of her ramp today (not far she just stepped off the edge). She has to be so sick of this by now. But she gives kisses and we like night best when we are both in the dark and things are more normal. She is so precious and doesn't deserve this. I do hope I see improvement as time goes on. Today she went near her water bowl and put her head down like she was putting it in the bowl only she was several inches to the side and started to lick the air like she was drinking water. She did eventually find her water I just let her work it out.   

[Roberta]

Dee Dee we used to have her dishes on a mat in the one place so when she stepped on the mat she knew where her bowls were. You both will get there,
Love and hugs
Roberta

[papbouv]

Unfortunately it takes time because this is new for both of you seems like time really drags along at a snails pace I hope Hallie will soon learn her way to do most of the things she use too sending more Rays & Hugs to you both can't hurt thinking of you both.

[auntydoxzz]

It has to be harder too because it was so sudden, not like with some of our other dogs where I suspect it was more gradual so in a sense they got used to it slowly. 

To bad there is not a way to have the water smell so she could find it that way.  But the only way I know to do that would be to flavor it and that could just be more confusing.  In one sense this is like a baby learning all over, but doxies are so smart, she will learn quickly!! It will be harder on you than her in part because it will be hard to let her learn and be as free as she can!!  Sending rays and prayers from here, and also sent a message to rainbow bridge for Twinkie, Zeke and Zelda to coach her on what to do!!Twinkie and Zelda both lost their sight but they were a lot older when that happened.

[papbouv]

I'm sure you read this already was looking around on the sites with Blind dog information boy do they have great ideas, a halo, use a pet water fountain so the dogs can hear the water,all the regular info about bells on toys,owners ankles,watched some of the amazing Blind dogs with their own seeing eye dogs running full blast chasing each other.Was really great to watch but some f the dogs were born blind so they do not know any other way of life.Time is on your side but it will be slow going right at first still sending Rays & Hugs to you both.

[dachsville]

DeeDee, I haven't been on the site for awhile and just heard the news.  I am so terribly sorry, but you are a wonderful Doxie Mom and I'm sure, in time, you will both adjust just fine.  We humans are the ones who react the most to life's challenges and our Doxies just take it all in stride and deal with whatever comes.  Believe me, I have been through it so many times and have learned so much from my dogs.  Kleine had the back surgery that didn't work, then they tried to kill her at CSU Vet School and she just wouldn't let them.  Now she has no teeth, her tongue is always hanging out one side or the other, her hair has been lost on her back, she wooble-walks, and she just keeps on going.  If only I could be as resilient.  Please hug that beautiful Princess for me!

[doxielady5569128]

A very late welcome back!!  I'm glad she is back at home and I'm sure she will do great.  She just has to learn to memorize the layout of the house and she should be okay.  Each time she bumps something, she is learning to avoid that spot.  I'm sure its hard to watch!!   Even though I haven't been active on the board lately, we have been reading posts and sending prayers to everyone that needs it.  Porky sends his kisses to you and Hallie.   

[Leslie]

DeeDee, I have been reading your updates with a heavy heart.  You surely have done everything that can be done for one dog.  Hallie is learning to adjust, but it's just heartbreaking.  I can't add anything to what the others have said, only that she is one lucky pup to have such a dedicated guide human.  Try not to project too much.  This transition will not be a straight trajectory.  We all love you both so much, please take care of yourself, as well.    and a speshul  from Zuzu-girl.

[cheryl186]

Dee Dee and Hallie, we too are so glad you both are home safe and sound.  Hang in there...things will get better and she will adjust...it just takes time!  God Bless you both and hugs and kisses sent your way!