HandicappedPets.Net

hi everybody.

my name is karen and my dog's name is buckshot. he is a 13yo blue heeler who recently became blind and now the vet just told me that he WILL go deaf at somepoint, "usually around 13years of age"!!

i am so glad to have found this site. as i have found very little else googleing. and already, just by reading some of the old posts, i have learned about touch signals and stomping and i enjoyed the "lethal ?whites?" page.

according to one book i have, the blue heeler holds the longevity record for 29years and we plan to hit 30 but only if i can guarantee buckshot a quality life. so far reading other stories, i am optimistic that he will. but my concern is his fear. so i watch carefully and go to any extreme to help him feel safe.

thank you for having this discussion.

sincerely
karen & bucky

WELCOME KAREN!!!
Woo hooo 30 years !!! That is a GOAL! Blindness can be easily overcome as a handicap and if you haven't read the sticky, please do.There is also a NEW site:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Lind ... dPupGroup/
which has a TON of helpful links! Let me know what you have read, and I won't repeat on you (not as bad as it sounds *>)
I have a blindpup and a deafblindpup. They are CHAMPIONS! And my inspiration. GabrielDeafBlindPup took third place 2 weekends ago in Pet Tricks at the Shelter Pawty which had over 3,000 people and their pets attend. THIRD PLACE! Blew out the competition and one of the judges did say, HE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN FIRST!
There is nothing we cannot help them adjust to. And this one is a journey of wonder as we watch them overcome, exceed and excel.
Let me know how I may help you... This is not the heartbreaking time so many folks fear. It is simply a 'new normal' and I can help you.
Please visit the Linda Glass Memorial Site, join up and welcome to the world of BLINDPUPS We will make sure we do everything we are able to ensure Buckshot celebrates his 30th birthday with you