Sammy 05-328 [1]

OK, It's official, blind dogs DO see with their hearts! Sammy joined me this past weekend and he has been a wonderful house guest. He came from a family that had taken him in for their son and are no longer able to keep him. Sometime within the past year and a half he went blind. Sammy's records show that he is about 12 years old, but he acts younger if you ask me. Aside from his vision, Sammy has been pretty healthy, although he does have an appointment with the vet to confirm things. He could use a little help in the calorie intake area. I think he loss of sight has made it more difficult to get around so he does a lot of sitting instead of burning off calories. I don't think it would be too hard to get him on a diet though, all he seems to care about anyway is love. He is a shorter Golden with a white spot on the top of his head and some white around his beard area.

He does a great job following my voice and I can tell as I call him that he is trying so hard to find me. It only took a few times to learn where he needs to step over things in the house and he has the back stairs down to a science now. He will climb up on things if he hears you patting your hand on it and he grunts when you rub his ears. He loved being brushed and I am going to see how he does getting a bath, although I imagine he does very well at that, too. I wanted to make sure he knew I was there with him so I have been having him sleep on my bed at night and he seems very comfortable sleeping on the end of the bed leaning against my leg.

He has done a great job with going outside to go to the bathroom and has not had any accidents. He sits for treats (I know, I know, it is not helping his waist size) and I can tell when I am outside playing fetch that he knows what is going on because when I say "drop it" to the other dogs, he sits as though he is ready to play. It is kind of sad. I wish I could figure out a way for him to play. He loves to be outside and will just wander around smelling and exploring things until I call him to come in.

I think that he does well enough without his sight that he would do fine out in public with someone who will watch out for him. He is just so laid back that nothing seems to get him worked up at all. I would like to find a home for him where there will be plenty of hands to pet him without competition. He just can't get enough love in him. If you have been looking for a perfect senior, I would not pass by this guy just because he can't see with his eyes. It is obvious that he does see with his heart.

There are plenty of blind dog resources if you have any questions about having a blind dog in your life. Please email placement if you are interested in seeing Sammy. I will work on getting a picture of him.