Blind dogs see with their hearts. We’ve all heard it, but what does it mean? I look at my newest foster — a frightened and completely blind senior Yorkshire Terrier mix from one of the busiest shelters in the country. As I gently wash away the physical and emotional scars from his body and mind, a process which may never completely end, I have no doubt that he sees me just as clearly, maybe more so, than any sighted dog. He may not see my face, but he can read my heart. What are some of the myths about blind dogs, and what’s the real story? MYTH: Blind dogs are unadoptable. Reality: A blind dog is a dog first! He can be too big or too small, too rough or too laid back, too independent or too affectionate, but he’s a dog first and blind second. His blindness does not make him unadoptable. Blind dogs are highly adoptable and are just as sweet, friendly, loving, and gentle, as sighted dogs. MYTH: Blind dogs are high-maintenance. Reality: Blind dogs do not require extraordinary amounts of care, nor are they difficult to take care of, unless there is a medical or behavioral issue that is separate from their blindness.

They likely require no more attention to detail than a sighted dog. MYTH: Blind dogs are helpless and training a blind dog is more difficult. Reality: Blind dogs are completely trainable. People forget that vision is not the primary sense in dogs. It may be for people, but not for dogs! The fact is dogs don’t need sighted eyes to live a normal, healthy and fun life. Blind dogs can even participate in agility training! MYTH: Blind and blind-deaf dogs can’t enjoy life so it’s humane to put them down. Reality: If they can smell, taste, hear your voice talking and feel you petting them, they’re enjoying life. They enjoy the same things sighted dogs do: walks, belly rubs, meal time, play time and more! MYTH: You can’t move the furniture. They are always bumping into things and items get broken all the time. Reality: Blind dogs map out their areas fairly quickly, sometimes in only one day. They can go up and down stairs, run through the yard, and even jump on the furniture to find the best place to nap!

Of course, stairs and other areas where they may injure themselves should be gated. MYTH: Blind dogs are boring and just sit around because they can’t see to run and play. Prom Dress Material UkThey won’t play with toys because they can’t see them.Weight Loss Medicine Fellowship Reality: Blind dogs run and play just as much as sighted dogs. Led Indoor Wall Lights UkThere are also scented toys or toys that jingle, so they can enjoy a wonderful game of “fetch”, too! We’ve had blind dogs steal toys from sighted dogs, and even invent games (throwing a toy across the room and sniffing it out!) MYTH: Blind dogs are depressed and don’t do anything. Reality: Blind dogs enjoy walks and going outside and going on car rides!

Just like sighted dogs, they love being around people and other dogs. And just like any other dog, they’ll become your best friend! Blind dogs also benefit a lot from living with other dogs that can see.  They use their partner as a guide to find their way around and strong bonds develop between them. MYTH: Blind pets are no longer guardians of the home. Reality: They still know when the mailman or anyone else is at the door and can let you know it. In fact, I have sighted and blind dogs in my house and my blind dog is the only one who alerts me to strangers nearby. MYTH: Blind dogs cost more and/or blind dogs are not healthy. Reality: Some blind dogs may cost more because they might need eye removal surgery or eye drops, but many dogs, blind or otherwise, have something for which they’ll eventually need medication or surgery. Blind dogs, like sighted dogs, run the range of health issues. Blind pets really are just like their sighted counterparts! Debbie Marks is a Reading Specialist at an elementary school in upstate New York.

She has been a member of Blind Dog Rescue Alliance (BDRA)for about 1 1/2 years. She became involved with BDRA when her Bichon, Frosty became blind after his second eye had to be removed due to untreatable glaucoma. She was searching for guidance in their new situation and found BDRA online. She received the help she needed, believed in their mission and felt so strongly about helping others that she joined immediately!How do I move an upright piano without piano movers? January 22, 2004   SubscribeWatts Brothers Moving & StorageJust strapping down the furniture in the back of a truck might get it to your new location, but not necessarily in good shape. Fortunately, having your furniture packed and moved by professionals can help make sure it gets there in one piece.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageWhen you move furniture through a home (particularly up and down stairs and in narrow corridors), you can end up damaging the walls, flooring, and railings. One of the best ways to protect your new and old residence from damage is to hire a professional moving company.

Watts Brothers Moving & StorageWhen you are packing everything up to move, it’s a good idea to pack an overnight bag for the actual day of the move. Chances are, you’ll be tired once you get all moved in and won’t want to unpack right away, but this way you can have your essentials within easy access.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageWhether you’re moving across town or across the country, it’s a good idea to pack an overnight bag that includes what you’ll wear the first night in the home, valuables and medication. This can help you ensure that you’re able to rest that first night instead of frantically searching for a particular item.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageThe average American moves roughly 12 times in their life. Depending on how long they live that can range anywhere from every two to five years.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageDepending on the ages of your children, you may find that they’re always underfoot during the move because they want to help. Assigning small tasks for each child to be responsible for can give them a sense of purpose while keeping them out of the way.

Watts Brothers Moving & StorageThe biggest moving truck that most DIYers can rent is a 26 footer, which can sometimes be a tight fit when you’re moving a large house. Professional moving companies have access to larger trucks or multiple trucks so you don’t have to worry about everything fitting.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageBefore the arrival of the movers, don’t forget to prepare your washer and dryer to be transported. Washers and dryers should be clean, lint and water free, and unplugged, with the cables tucked inside or taped to the side.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageIt can be easy to think that the simpler, cheaper way is just to move it yourself, but you might be surprised. In many states and cities, you need a special license to drive a large truck, adding even more to your to-do list. Moving companies are already licensed, and can make moving easy.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageIf you’ve ever tried to move into an apartment by yourself, you already know how difficult it can be to find enough friends to help.

When you’re on a deadline to get out of one apartment and into another, hiring movers is the fastest approach.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageIf you will be packing boxes yourself, make sure to clearly label each one with a short description of the contents and where in your new home the container should go. This will make unloading and unpacking much easier for you and the movers.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageWhile it may seem like a way to conserve space, we recommend that you empty all drawers, and pack those goods in them into boxes. This makes moving that particular piece of furniture much easier, and prevents accidental spilling.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageBeing prepared for the movers will assure that things move smoothly and remove a lot of the stress involved in a move. Keep in mind that movers get paid by the hour, so it’s also going to be cost effective for you to be prepared for them ahead of time.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageAre you dreading packing all the clothes that are in your closet?

Here’s a time saving and organizational idea: instead of taking the clothes off of the hangers, group them all together at the bottom and pull a plastic garbage bag up around them. This way you can just throw them in the trunk of your car.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageOne of the most complicated aspects of moving involves navigating large pieces of furniture up and down stairs and through narrow spaces. One of the benefits of hiring professional movers is that they will able to take care of all of this for you.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageMoving can be time consuming and stressful, and thus the more you are able to streamline the process the better. By hiring a professional moving company to do all of your packing, boxing, and heavy lifting, you can focus on the other aspects of your move and minimize disruptions to work and daily life.Watts Brothers Moving & StorageThe truth is, not everyone has the strength to move their own things, even if there’s only a handful for them. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry, since a moving company will be able to take care of the move for you.