Misty, before becoming blind and deaf
(and Kevin)
in our backyard
I'm happy to report that the snowy photo above was taken nine months ago, not this morning. But this white stuff is coming all too soon and I'm not looking forward to it.
My biggest concern here is that in the past few months Misty has become blind and deaf. So what she has left to help her navigate is...her nose. With each fresh snow, will the scent that she uses to find her way be gone? I think so.
Last night we had a little rain, and this morning when I let the dogs out, I noticed after a few minutes that Misty seemed totally lost, rather than keeping her nose to the ground and finding her way back to the house. I went out and put the lead on her and brought her back to the house. When it's not been raining (or snowing), she spends 30-45 minutes just wandering around the backyard or field, following her nose, off on her own daily adventure.
I think that with each new snow Misty will be taken out on lead. I don't want to lose that sweet dog, and it's sad to see her confused and bump into things.
But quality of life? I think Misty would say it's good. She still spends most of her day at my feet, wherever I am, and feels safe. After all, she is still top dog around here. And somebody's gotta keep 120 pound Bridger in his place.
Misty, snuggled up on her bed.
***
The weather forecast? Today: 60 degrees. Possible snow on Monday. In NW Wisconsin, we have the following seasons: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Seed Catalog, Knitting, Enough-Winter-Already!, Easter, Spring, Garden, Enough-Heat-Already!, Canning.
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33 comments:
Our elderly beagle was blind and deaf in the end, but she still seemed quite happy pottering around the garden, bumping into things along the way!
Oh your sweet dog - that is amazing how she still can get around outside! I love your seasons list :-)
that is a beautiful snow pic of man and faithful dog. i agree if she is in no pain, she if fine. she looks happy in her bed. so sweet and it hurts my heart she can't see, but blind people do fine and so can a dog.
Misty looks like a sweetie! I love your seasons. :)
Misty looks like such a sweet sweet girl.
That is a gorgeous photo of your hubby and dog. It is so sad when our furry friends get old. It is hard to explain to them why they are feeling the way they are. In fact you can't explain to them. There I corrected myself.
It can be scary having a deaf pup because you can't call to them. I have had Scotty escape a couple of times and it is frightening...To get his attention in the house, we stomp on the floor. He can feel the vibration and he knows we want his attention.
Misty is a beautiful and faithful friend. =)
Misty looks happy and comfy in her bed! A very sweet dog. Snow comes early this year. We've got no snow yet in Ireland, but it's been a bit cold lately and I do like the fresh crisp air. Enjoy your weekend!
Misty is top dog of course. You guys stay warm.
Woke up to about an inch of snow on my grass but the streets are bare. Predictions of more snow today but Sunday should be sunny. I fear our storm is headed your way. Sad to hear that Misty like all of us are getting old and going blind. My cat does not see as well as he used to and he sleeps more now than he is awake. I fear the end is closer.
its so so hard to see our four legged friends age, but they seem to do it with more grace than we humans, thats a lovely soap and the snow photos are beautiful but too early!!!
Hi Judy! It is so hard when our fur-children start showing their age and failing. Misty will let you know when she is ready. It's good that she is still getting around and enjoying hanging with 'mom'. We have cats, but also love dogs. It really doesn't matter when your heart belongs to a pet, what kind of pet it is. The hurt is the same when we have to say good-bye. Enjoy her!! I know you do.
Hi Judy, My heart goes out to Misty and to you of course. As long as a dog can smell and aren't in pain, I think they do well as they age. We had an old girl in CA. who was deaf and going blind-but she was in pain. I would attach the lead and secure it to your house but let her wander a bit. I would just worry that she would get too cold. We all just grow so attached to our beloved pups. We have snow here today and I'm again working with our puppy to get him outside and take care of business.
Enjoy your weekend and your sweet Misty.
Noreen
Misty is a sweetheart. She is enjoying life for sure, and so lucky to have you.
Misty is a sweetheart curled up in her bed. My mother was blind from the time I was six and lived to be 78. Amazing how well she coped with her challenges. Misty will be just fine with a little help from you.
My daughter's elderly beagle is blind and deaf, but still enjoying life. they have a younger dog who runs to the front door when someone comes and alert the older dog to bark. It works perfectly :)
The challenges are hard but with your care she can keep on enjoying life. Wonderful.
Oh, so sorry to hear about Misty, but I'm sure she is still a happy dog. She knows that she is in a loving place.
She is adorable, and very brave to go outside with so little to guide her. Thankfully she has a loving family to take care of her.
Jen
You are a good 'mama' , and Misty must love you to pieces!
Such a precious dog.
I loved this little story of Misty, you seem to have such a big heart and it's so nice to see and read about. Even if Misty has to be put on the lead, at least in the house with you, she knows love and warmth.
It is so sad when our beloved furry pets get old and sick. I think keeping her on the lead is a good idea. And I think she is probably is very happy being there with you.
sandie
I've been there with my furbaby, and I am so sorry your baby has gone blind and deaf. But she is lucky to have you take such good care of her.
XO,
Sheila
Misty feels secure being near to you.
She'll let you know when her life becomes too weary I'm sure.
I have my own version of Misty. His name is Scruffy and he is 15. He is the best little guy and although mostly deaf I think he has a little bit of site left, but his nose is what gets him around. I can only hope that I am as adored as he when I'm near the end of my days. It looks like besides the obvious, Misty and Scruffy have it pretty good.
Oh, that sweet baby. I'm sorry she is losing her senses but she is loved and adored, so I know she's okay. Bless that girl.
xo
Claudia
Hi Judy,
Your Misty is so sweet and I'm so thankful her surroundings are so filled with love.
I just came over from Elaine's blog and read your intuitive comment. I, too, agree that something stinks to the high heavens in regard to the General. The second I heard the story on the car radio my radar went up and I thought about the convenient timing in regard to elections...and, the Bengazi incident. I'm glad there are others out there who are paying attention.
Blessings, my friend,
Carolynn
O, bless your dog's heart. She is blessed to have you love her so much...and visa versa, I'm sure. :))
Our family is a lot like yours...we started with 2 and now have 19 and one on the way. :) I feel so blessed to have such a large and sweet family....which will gather here Thanksgiving Day and I can hardly wait.
xo bj
what a beautiful pup! We can certainly learn a lot from our pets can't we? Beautiful post.
Misty sounds like she is coping pretty well. I am not so sure snow covers all the smells, Kerri certainly finds things to sniff!! She gets so into that she looks like a mole with the snow mounding up around her head.Hopefully Misty will just have to get use to the changing of the seasons.
Love your seasons list....though I think you forgot mud season!
Reading this post combined with today's post about our society disregarding the aging ... a sad juxtaposition. Just because I can't remember what I ate for breakfast (or whether I ate breakfast!) today, whether Misty is losing her senses, these are not reasons to discard anyone. These are reasons to offer MORE love and tenderness, not less. It's so sad to know that Misty is having trouble; and yet, the happy ending to the story is that she's beloved, and well cared for, and no one is dismissing her for getting lost outside when her true value is in the love she gives unconditionally ....
Sweet Misty...
I love your seasons list! :)
BTW, if we had that much snow in Dallas, the town would shut down. We shut down if there is 2 inches of ice on the roads. We can't handle it! :)
Miss talking to you!!
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