This is a blog about my dog Paris who in November 2010 was diagnosed with Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
I had no idea he couldn't see.
The Monday before his yearly checkup I noticed he couldn't find his treat right next to him on the couch, but I didn't think much of it.
Then the same week on Friday going into the vets office he walked right into the door!
I asked the vet to be sure to check his eyes, the vet did and much to my surprise, told me Paris was blind!
He said he could probably only see large shadows not people or his beloved squirrels that he loved to chase in the back yard.
It was very hard to believe.
The doctor explained that Paris had "mapped" the house and knew his way around, so I wouldn't really notice a difference as long as I didn't move things around.
Several days passed and I did notice things by now, because I was looking for them.
Paris seemed to be using his sense of smell a lot more to navigate the house.
I bought a motion sensor light for the hallway, because he would stop halfway down the hall when it was dark and wait for me so he could follow me.
Paris can still jump up on the couch but if it is dark in the room he will cry to get down. He won't sleep on the bed anymore, he is afraid of falling off I guess. He will lay on the bed while I am reading but when I turn off the light he wants down. I have made him a bed right next to me on the floor.
I got a bright nightlight for near his bed, but I don't think he can see light anymore.
Yesterday I marked the door outside with peppermint oil so he can learn to find the door when he comes back from using the potty.
I found him standing at a table leg barking (he thought it was the door) and it nearly broke my heart.
Today when I got home from work I let him out and he walked right into a large potted plant, then he walked a few more steps and walked right into the wall of the house.
I suppose it would be funny if it wasn't so sad.
I will continue to post ideas to deal with Paris' blindness in hopes that I can help someone else. Just writing this down has helped me.
Thanks for reading.
Awwww This is absolutely heartbreaking!
ReplyDeleteI started tearing up reading this. I don't know what I'd do if one of my beloved pets started going blind. This is very informational and I am definitely going to follow ya'lls story.
ReplyDeleteParis says thanks for reading! We hope this blog can help others in the same situation.
ReplyDeleteVery informational. My 10 y/o chihuahua was just diagnosed with SARDS. And it is definitely heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteI too have a blind dog. My 8 year old baby went blind from SARDS this past Christmas Eve. My heart literally shattered from it and will never be the same. This guy means the world to me.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you and Paris for sharing what you two are going through. Reading about how you are coping, the trial and errors of learning how to live with a blind dog are comforting for someone like me. I can completely relate to all of it and find alot of useful advice too.
Please keep up the good work you two!
Lori,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment. It is good to hear that Paris' story is helping other people. It is so heartbreaking to have this happen. Hang in there, you still have your buddy, he just can't see anymore. It takes some time to get used to.