Oh sweetie your poor furbaby! I hope that she recovers well with the AB's.
My DH had a beautiful girl named Matilda/ Tilly and she was also a Kelpie who went blind from cataracts. I think it may be quite common for that breed.
I really hope you are all feeling better very soon!
I'm so sorry to read about your girl. I hope that the infection clears up soon and that she starts to deal with her eyesight loss.
It's so hard when they get old. Unfortunatley it's a price we humans pay, that they will always be taken from us too soon... they give us unconditional love and affection, but they go to the bridge before we are ready...
Not sure on your setup, but have you considered a crate for your girl? you can teach her that it's her own special place that she can go that she won't be disturbed. Teach the kids not to go near the crate when she's in it. It will especially help her when she becomes less confident walking around the house, or if she is upset by activities in the house you can put her in there and close her off and she'll feel safe.
I would also consider NOT letting her off lead at parks anymore after her recent scare. if she's older she may also not have the best hearing. That combined with bad sight could be disasterous if she gets a fright and runs.
Thanks for the advice. I was doing some reading about crates. It sounds like a good idea. Also about talking to her as we approach her so not to scare her. I am also trying to find a reasonably priced tennis ball that have a bell inside. She never chews tennis balls, so I know it won't be a choking hazard.
I am going to buy a retractable lead for the park, so we an give her space but know she can't get lost.
She still seems really confused. She goes around the perimeter of our house over and over. Not sure if she feels she needs to check the boundaries because she now can't see them?
Last edited by lilima; October 19th, 2012 at 07:00 PM.
I'm so sorry she's ill. We have a poorly pup too at the moment. He has a cyst on one eye and has gone deaf,as well as having arthritis and ?dementia. We use the retractable lead now as he won't come when called and we have got him a new kennel so he's comfy outdoors during the day. It's so hard though, breaks our hearts to see him go downhill.
Sorry to hear that Traveller. It is hard isn't it?
Yes we are thinking that she may be developing dementia at the moment. That is why we are being extra careful with her around the children. I would hate for her to accidentally snap them. She is so very placid, and has been the best dog ever, but I know that her temprement may change if she does have dementia.
Her hearing appears intact - a good singn.
As our dog has got older, nearly 15, and wanting a time out place we have a material kennel with a blanket in it.
The boys know now that if she is in there they are to leave her alone.
She loves the boys and follows them so still wants company.
I agree on giving her a place she can go and know it is hers when needed.
We are not looking forward to the time when we no longer will have our girl
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I really hope you are all feeling better very soon!
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