From Cayman Islands Humane Society

Tatiana and Shadow have been at the Humane Society for a while now. Unfortunately, because of their condition, they can’t be kept in the outdoor runs with the other dogs and spend most of their time in the crates inside. Both are blind and need a special home. You can read an excerpt about caring for blind dogs below and download the full article to learn more. Caring for them is not as hard as you may think, so please open your hearts and home to at least one of these dogs.

Vision Impairment and Blindness in Dogs

Dogs do not rely on their sense of vision to the same extent as do humans. The dog’s vision is also not as highly developed as it is in humans. Dogs also cannot focus well on near objects, are partially color blind, and have poor detail vision.

Canine vision is superior to human vision for detecting moving objects in dim light.

This vision suits their original need as nocturnal hunters. Since the majority of domesticated dogs no longer hunt to survive, blindness does not interfere with their domesticated primary function–being a companion and pet.

The Animal Ophthalmology Center

Dogs who are blind from birth are unaware that they are different from other dogs. They interact with the world much like any other puppy; they just go about it differently. Blind dogs rely on their senses of smell and hearing to compensate for the lack of sight, and those senses become more acute over time. Without proper socialization, however, a dog may become fearful and stressed in unfamiliar situations. Therefore early and frequent socialization with other animals and humans is important and should continue throughout life. It allows the dog to develop self-confidence and dog and his owner to bond more closely. The dog will experience a richer life with exposure to a variety of new people, situations, and experiences…

One thought on “Blind Dogs Need Home”

By Janette Fitz

    A poem for Tatiana and Shadow

    I cannot see you Mummy, when you cuddle me so near.

    And yet I know you love me, it’s in the words I hear.

    I cannot see you Daddy, when you hold me by your side

    But still I know you love me when you tell me so with pride.

    I cannot see to run and play out in the sun so bright

    For here inside my tiny head it’s always dark as night.

    I cannot see the treats you give when I am extra good

    But I can wag my tail in thanks just like a good dog should.

    “She cannot see. The dog’s no good” is what some folks might say

    “She can’t be trained, she’ll never learn, She must be put away.”

    But not you, Mummy and Daddy, you know that it’s alright

    Because I love you just as much as any dog with sight.

    You took me in, you gave me love and we will never part

    Because I’m blind with just my eyes, I see you in my heart.

For more on this story go to:

http://caymanhumanesociety.com/newsite/blind-dogs-need-home/#comment-30