Issues

Things are going well with Stevie. So well, in fact, that we often forget that he’s blind. He hasn’t run into anything in quite a few days and he plays like every other puppy I know. He and Toby are buddies – even though Toby runs to higher ground when Stevie becomes relentless in play (he likes to jump up onto the couch and sit next to us, all while pawing at Stevie’s head). We do, however, have two issues:

1. House training – Stevie has grasped piddling outside, but pooping remains a mystery. He hasn’t made the connection. He doesn’t give any cues either. He poops randomly and in no one particular place. So, intensive house training continues. Any recommendations are welcome and very much appreciated!

2. Bad breath. Stevie’s breath is horrible! We’ve switched his food to the same organic dog food that Toby eats and he’s loving it. He gets his daily DentaStix. Yet, he’s stinky. No sweet puppy breath here. The vet has checked him out, said his teeth look great, and believes that it will correct itself now that his diet has changed and we’re providing dental care. I sure hope so because his breath can wrinkle your nose.

So, that’s about all in terms of issues. We’re fortunate and, like I keep saying, blessed. We’ve been rescued by two dogs now. Two dogs that have wonderful lessons to teach us.

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What the eyes can’t see…

There’s a dog lover’s saying that goes “Blind Dogs See with Their Hearts.” In our case, our hearts were captured by a blind and partially deaf West Highland White Terrier Poodle mix named Stevie who was living at Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue. I posted a while back about Stevie and since that time, my family and I have fallen head over heals in love with him. That being said, we officially adopted Stevie and will be bringing him home tomorrow!

We’ve been educating ourselves about the precautions we need to take to prepare our home for his safety and we’re good to go. We’ve put a baby gate at the top of the stairs, raised all exposed cords, created a ‘safe spot’ for him and even put a low fence in an area of the yard that will give him a frame of reference when he’s doing his business outside. We’ve hung jingle bells by the front door so he can tell when we open it, and we’ve hung a small bell on Toby’s collar so Stevie can hear him coming. He’s been added to our pet insurance, a vet visit has been scheduled and we’ve booked our first grooming appointment (our groomer has a blind dog as well). He’s got his own bed set up, a new set of toys and treats, a smart little collar, a tag telling others that he’s blind and a comfy harness for walks. We even bought a classical music CD to play for him at night because that’s what he’s used to hearing at the shelter.

I’ve joined several online groups for owners of blind dogs, downloaded multiple articles, bought several books and talked to everyone I know that has any experience with blind dogs.

We’re so excited to have Stevie as a member of our family. He is a very special little dog with a huge heart and a lot of love to give. And we have a ton of love waiting for him. I know he has quite a bit to teach us and we’re so blessed to have found him.

Soon you’ll be reading much more about Stevie, Toby and all of our wonderful adventures together!

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You’re formally invited

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue in Mukwonago, Wisconsin is requesting the public’s presence at the joining of paws for two very special rescue dogs. Stevie, a special West Highland White Terrier/Poodle mix will wed his mystery bride on Saturday, February 19^th at 6:00 p.m. at For Pet’s Sake Dog Training at 828 Perkins Drive in Mukwonago.  

Families and their canine friends are invited to witness the exchange of the dogs’ wedding vows and tags. An Elvis impersonator will serenade the couple and a dog and a human wedding cake will be served. An open Muttini bar will be available for all canine attendees and a secured dance floor will be provided for those four-legged friends who want to kick up their paws. A silent auction, interactive games, raffles, pet portraits, food, drinks and music, as well as animal communicator, Tresa Laferty ($25 for a 20-minute session), will be provided for everyone’s entertainment.

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue is requesting a $10 donation at the door and/or a selection from the couple’s gift registry at End of the Leash in Mukwonago. They are registered for items such as Diamond dry puppy food, canned Pedigree® puppy or adult food, Kuranda dog beds and Martingale Collars in petite, small, or medium sizes. An RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary, to 414-750-0152.

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue is committed to the rescue, care and adoption of Bichon Frises, Shelties and other small breeds and mixes. Primarily serving Southeastern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois, Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue takes in dogs surrendered by their owners, dogs found as strays and those rescued from puppy mills.

The Wonder of Stevie

There’s a special little pup at Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue named Stevie. What makes Stevie so special is more than just his even temperament and outgoing personality. Stevie is special because he’s wonderfully friendly and social despite that fact that he’s blind and deaf in one ear. This West Highland White Terrier Poodle mix was surrendered by a breeder when it was discovered that he was blind. After seeing an eye specialist, it was determined that Stevie’s optic nerve didn’t develop properly which leaves him sightless with the exception of maybe being able to see some light. After getting his hearing tested, it was also determined that Stevie is deaf in one ear. So while he can hear, he can’t always determine the source or direction of the sound.

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue staff is looking for an exceptional home for this extraordinary little pup. And because he is so social, he would do well in a home with another dog to play and hang out with. Despite his handicaps, Stevie is a wonderful little guy who will make the right individual very happy.

I’ve spent some time with Stevie and I’m so impressed with his playfulness and ability to get along with other dogs. I’m also amazed at his adaptability and how he is able to get around despite his handicap. Stevie is a lesson is overcoming what seems to be an insurmountable challenge with grace and a smile. Regardless of his physical limitations, he is eager to make new friends, excited to play with others, and determined to do things on his own.

And that is the wonder of Stevie!

Snow and a Surprise

The Midwest was hit by a major snow storm over the weekend. Lots of snow and frigid temperatures. We pulled out the winter coat for Toby. He’s a 20 pound westie-poodle mix (we think) and he doesn’t seem to mind the cold, but we bought him a fleece-lined, waterproof coat anyway. He doesn’t mind it. In fact, when we pull it out, he runs over and sits, waiting patiently to be suited up. We’ve tried weather-proof booties, but they don’t last five minutes on his paws. That being said, we make our trips outside quick and purposeful to keep his paws from freezing. By the end of his trip outside, he is raising his paws, one by one, out of the snow in an attempt to warm them up. 

So, today we made our early morning trip outside. Toby was bundled appropriately, as was I. He raced over to the snow and began sniffing around. He did his business and began rolling around – rubbing against a scent I’m sure was only appealing to him. As I watched, I noticed a small rock sticking up from the snow. Before I knew it, Toby pounced and I heard a loud squeal. The rock was actually a vole. I let out a squeal of my own and pulled hard on Toby’s leash. He dropped the uninjured vole and ran back toward me. The vole scurried off and I pulled Toby toward the house. He kept looking over his shoulder, searching the snow for his furry friend.

I admit, I was somewhat disconcerted at the fierceness of his pounce. I forgot that West Highland White Terriers are rodent hunters, and Toby has proven himself to be very skilled in this arena on several occasions.

When we went out later in the day, I searched for the vole and so did Toby. Thankfully the little guy was nowhere to be found. Hopefully he was burrowed down deep – away from the elements and my ferocious little hunter.