karonelaine avatar image

Celine I need your advice.

I am adopting a bulldog that is blind in one eye and 50% in the other. He is so cute and loveable  can you give me any info on what they are like. I know Loulou will take to him like she his mother. 

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Karonelaine

Cory's picture

I just wanted to say that your a great person

If there were more people like you in the world it would be a nicer place for everyone......... best wishes for you an the newest member of the family.

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Cory & Penelope

Pegsy's picture

well said my friend,well

well said my friend,well said...!

Pegsy's picture

i think what you are doing is

i think what you are doing is commendable and i agree w/cory,(((hugs)))
smoochies the scrunchy face

Céline and Angel Stella's picture

Hey, congrats!!

I am positive this is going to go very well for you!! A blind dog is incredibly talented at adapting. And yours actually has some sight, so you'll be in great shape!

There are tons of things I could share with you, but here are a few to start with.

Set up a path of carpet runners on the paths to his dish, the front door, the sofa, etc. wherever you want him to feel comfortable travelling. With Stella, she followed the carpet. When she hit the hardwood, she knew she was slightly off course and would just adjust and get back on track on the carpet.

Create clear paths for him to walk to and from his favorite things. Ex. you might have to move some furniture a bit to clear the way from the living room to the kitchen. But once you move it, DON'T ever move it again. No sense in getting him used to one set up and then changing it.

If you are a messy person (or anyone you live with is), make a special effort to pick up after yourself. It is just not funny to see your blind bully trip over your shoes that you left lying around!!

Buy a pair of Doggles. This was invaluable for us. A blind bully is still a bully - and they love to sniff around the bushes and go "off road" when they're out and about. But since they can't see, they are in immanent danger of scratching their cornea. And then you have to go through the whole eye ulcer thing. The Doggles protect their eyes - and make them look super cool at the same time!!! I only used them outdoors; no need inside.

Give him a heads up when you are going to touch him so you don't startle him. I'd always say "hi baby" or something like that, before I touched Stella just so she knew I was coming. Also, ask other people to do so when they come up to pet him (as I'm sure they will - especially with the Doggles). People won't know he is blind and might scare him without meaning too. Same thing with their dogs. If you see another dog coming in for a sniff, say "hey, look, a friend!" and maybe touch him yourself before the other dog comes. Your bully will probably smell him anyway, but just to be safe.

I always used a harness with Stella. This was especially valuable when she went blind. Gives you more of a grip on them and gives them a sense of stability and confidence.

I used a lot of these tips, which I found online: http://www.blinddogs.com/tips.htm

Finally, I bought this book. http://www.amazon.ca/Living-With-Blind-Dogs-Low-Vision/dp/0967225345 A lot of good tips in it. I'd give you mine, but I already gave it away to someone else with a blind bully!!!

That's all I can think of right now... Don't hesitate if you have any questions!

AmyandSophia's picture

HEY LADY!!!

I am so glad you are getting this boy! What a sweetheart you are! Hope all is well otherwise? I haven't heard from you in a long while. I miss you!!

Take care my Friend, and we want pics!

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Amy and Sophia

karonelaine's picture

Thank you everyone.

Cline I pick him up this Sunday.  I am ready for him to come home. Never thought of Stella wearing them. But for a beach picture. God I miss that girl. If I had any question I will call on you. Out of they request  can to post Stella whith the thanking giving dinner. Such and awesome picture. 

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Karonelaine