Little Girl Angel: New Ways Of Seeing

Sadly, Angel’s optical nerve got too severely damaged and she is blind. We saw the ophthalmologist, Dr. Sapienza on Friday. Angel was incredible. She was so patient and calm during the extensive examination and she slept in the car like a baby, even though we were stuck in traffic for a long time both ways. She loves to be touched and talked to. Her appetite is slightly affected by all the antibiotics she’s been on but she looks so much better. She’s almost 30 Ib!

Unfortunately, she still needs another surgery. The right side has to be cleaned up better and the glands left behind in the eyelids need to be removed to stop the unnecessary secretion. Hopefully, within the next two weeks Angel will fully recover and she can find a special home with people who are willing to help her adjust to a new form of living.

I found some comfort in reading from www.blinddogs.com. They say: "Most dogs adjust well and lead happy near-normal lives. Before long you will be amazed at what a blind dog can do!!!!...When a dog loses their sight ... they come to rely on their other senses and often times these senses become even keener over time." Angel, just like other newly blinded dogs, has to adjust to her new situation but the website recommends “to treat them as normal as possible. Building their confidence is key to letting them know they can still do things.” They have some ingenuous tips to help blind dogs see in a new way. Using textured materials (carpeting, throw rugs and decorative pillows) or different scents (scented candles, car air freshener or potpourri sachet) in different rooms in your house or to mark areas such as doors may help the dog know their surroundings better. “Outdoor carpeting, wind chimes and something as simple as cedar chips or decorative bricks or blocks can help guide them along their way outside.” By being very vocal with your dog and/or using bells or jingling tags on your other dogs you can help them find you or prevent them from being startled.