Wednesday, June 09, 2010

For Wink, and us, it's a whole new world

Don't mess with my golden lasso
There's no beating around it: it's been a rough time at the LeLo household. Our much beloved dog, Wink, was acting strangely last week and within two days, completely lost her vision, permanently. She's been diagnosed with SARDS,Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration, and there is no cure. Once such a happy-go-lucky dog, she's now rendered timid, staring into space, and very quiet. She's less than five years old.

That's the bad news.

The good news? She, and us, are slowly learning a new way to live together. A life of sound instead of hand signals, bells on our ankles, the use of scents to define spaces, and much trust and guidance. And thank god for bubble wrap. Stairs are tough to maneuver, and dangerous. They require much guidance, tapping and coaxing. And some such picking up and carrying. I could go on and on about more of these techniques, but really, I just wanted to let my blog readers know.

It's a whole new world.

19 comments:

Redbone210 said...

After reading (and lurking around) your blog, I feel as if I know Wink personally. Here’s a hug for her and her moms who love her immensely.

Jacquelyn said...

Ohh, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it's a smooth adjustment and she gets some of her perk back soon. She's in good hands. Hugs to you all.

Willi said...

Wink seems to really love life, which I think will help her a lot as she learns to adapt to her new world.

Elizabeth said...

I'm sorry for Wink and all in the Lelo household. I'm sure as she gains confidence, and learns to live in her "new world" things will get much easier. Her trust in you will be key, but having known other blind dogs I feel fairly certain she will return to her happy-go-lucky self with time.

Desert Diva said...

Thinking of you, AdRi (and of course Wink) as you all adjust. I'm sure that in time you all will adapt, although it's difficult now.

I love how she allows you to dress her up. My Cali won't even wear a hat!

Hugs all around...

Syd said...

Oh no!! Lelo, I'm so sorry. I hope she can adjust. You too. Just...damn.

Anne said...

That picture is adorable. With such great parents Wink should adapt just fine. Best of luck!

julie said...

I am so sorry for you and especially for Wink! I can not imagine what that poor puppy must be going through! It is heartwrenching. I understand as I have a blind cat. He has been blind since I found him outside at 6 weeks old. He is perfectly happy and healthy and gets around just fine. Wink will adjust after a while. It's just an adjustment. Hugs to you all!

Unknown said...

Much love to you all while you enter into this new phase for all of you. My four-legged girls (they don't think they're dogs) are everything to us.

Lachlan said...

Many hugs to you all! Poor Wink. But she's young and you're all resilient. Hang in there!

Best Wishes, Marie said...

so sorry. our little garfield was abused/ neglected before we got him. now that he is not in any pain, he does not seem to really understand that he is partially blind and partially deft.

i am sure the details are not exactly the same.

not sure he is less happy on a cognitive level. peace, sunshine, a soft basket/bed to sleep in, snuggles, treats etc... they seem to be great examples of living in the here and now and not what they used to have, should have had, could have had, being pissed about what happened, etc...

the enjoy what is right about now.

best wishes, my friend.

Mrs. Swan said...

Oh, poor Wink and you! :( Scarey stuff, I'm so sorry. xoxo

danger garden said...

I am so sorry. I had no idea such a thing could happen so quickly.

Wacky Mommy said...

I love that sweet dog and her sweet mamas. You know how happy she is being carried around, that will do.

Jennifer said...

I heard Wink when I went to work...I yelled up and said its okay Winky. I'm around Friday and Saturday have to work Sunday...Please ask if you need anything, I can even come over there to look after Wink if you need me too....Love you all.

A Lewis said...

We can't wait to meet her today. Mason is beside himself and he's been practicing his Best Boy Pooch Behaviors. Such a pretty girl, she is.

Anonymous said...

Lelo and AdRi, I am so sorry to hear this. How stunned you must be. I'm feeling very comforted by all the commenters who think Wink will adjust quickly. I hope she gets her spirits back soon!

Anonymous said...

Your posts about Wink have always brought a smile to me. I'm sending you all good vibes that your entire household quickly learns how to deal with this new challenge.

LeLo said...

Thank you so much for all of your kind words: they mean a lot to all of us, and know that Wink is gaining confidence in her new life every day. We are so grateful to have her in our lives. Though the cats are getting tired of her walking into them. ;)