Living With a Blind Dog -- Happily Ever After!

When my dog Shon began going blind, emotionally, it hit us like a ton of bricks. This dog was so spirited and family dedicated and such a very happy guy.  How would blindness change him?  How would we ever learn how to be parents to a pet with disabilities.  We were fearful that we could not provide a wholesome and fulfilling life for this precious guy.

I remember sitting in the car and crying after we left the Ophthalmologists office. I looked over to the passenger seat where Shon loved to ride.  His front paws already stood on the passenger arm rest and he took on his "riding" pose to look out the window and see the world go by!

"What on earth are you looking at?"  I whispered with a saddened heart.  He turned towards me looked me straight in the eyes and his little nubby tail took off wagging so fast!  He wanted to RIDE!

My tears turned to a hearty laugh.  I suddenly knew how we would learn to be great special needs pet parents.  We would learn it all from Shon!  I started the car and we both happily began our journey.

And that was exactly what we did. ... Learn from Shon.
And he learned some new things from us, too!
We taught Shon the "STOP!" command when there was danger.  "upup" when there was a curb or a step up.  "downdown" when he needed to get down from a step or curb.  His favorite was "lead the way".  That command meant that he would walk in front of us with a full heart of trust.  No obstacles.  It was safe.  He walked so secure and proud.  No one knew that Shon was blind until we mentioned it.

Over time, we learned what situations Shon was insecure with and which ones he just LOVED!  Like going to the beach.  The waves would lick around his feet and he would happily jump and run.

Shon also loved to attend events where there were lots of dogs and people.  All the smells were just heaven for him.  That is when I learned how to mark him so that others could see that he was disabled.  People stopped walking into him.  At the beach, if he ran out of reach, others kept a watchful eye with their own dogs to make way for Shon.

All I had to do is listen to his cues and act accordingly, assuring his safety.
Over the years, his life was full and his well-being was maintained.
And that was all that mattered.

Next week we will blog about making the house a calm and secure place for a blind dog.  In the meantime, please look at our website, where we sell the vests that we designed to mark Shon and other disabled dogs.  Our brand is named after Shon and his safety gear.   www.SHONGear.com

Kindest Regards,
Jonni

Summer's Here! Pet Safety and Lost Pets are Paramount!

Have you noticed that as summer time unfolds, there is a dramatic increase in the notices and emails that we see regarding lost pets?

With the kids home and doors opening more frequently, our companions often decide that it means freedom for them, as well.

In order to safeguard your pet from straying from your property, There are many products designed to help keep you pets home and safe.  Many folks invest in an electronic fence which assists in keeping them safely on their property.

But what happens when your family is on vacation and your four legged companion bolts out of the car when you stop to gas-up, or when your pet sneaks out of an open motel door that your son left ajar?  Safety is lost while your pet saunters off happily exploring all of the new scents.

                                                                  A stray pet is often viewed by locals as a local pet and they are ignored and allowed to explore until they are happened upon by animal control.  But that could be many days and many miles from your original location.

At SHONGear Designs, we believe that by marking your pet in a vest with vivid neon colors, it alerts others that see him -- that your pet is a lost pet.

Mark your pet with a high alert SHONVest when leaving home for any reason, but especially when you are traveling.

 Pets are more easily identified as being separated from their owner and they carry itinerary and owner information that can help promote a speedy reunion with your faithful companion.  A SHONVest also carries important health information regarding your pet which can be immediately viewed and does not need a computer to read.  If your pet is on medication, it can be securely carried in a water resistant pill container in a pill pocket.

Your pet's safety when traveling, either locally or away from home, is paramount in keeping your pet from being separated from you and among the statistics of lost pets this Summer.  

Visit us at www.SHONGear.com and view the array of products designed to keep our pets safe for dogs of all sizes and levels of curiosity!

Wishing you, your family and your faithful companion a healthy, happy and safe Summer!

Kind Regards,

Jonni