My name is Courtney Bell, and I'm the proud mother of three beautiful canine daughters. From left to right in the photo above: Jocie, my oldest, is a Border Collie/Golden Retriever mix, Sam is a coonhound/Rottweiler mix, and my youngest is Lexie (aka "Lou"), who is a full-blooded Doberman (not registered). Jocie is my goofball, Sam is my "human dog" (I swear she feels emotions and has intuition like a person), and Lexie my little turd. I say that with love, of course, but there really is no better way to describe her.
Lou is by far my most active, playful, and demanding dog. When she wants to cuddle, you'd better scoot over and make room on HER couch or else she'll whine and groan until she gets her way. If she thinks it's time to eat, even if it's an hour before dinner time, she'll pick up her food bowl and carry it around the house, tossing it at your feet until you finally fill it with food. When she decides it's time to go out to pee, she "rallies the troops" and gets both of her sisters all excited to go outside. In other words, Lexie rules the roost!
Lou is by far my most active, playful, and demanding dog. When she wants to cuddle, you'd better scoot over and make room on HER couch or else she'll whine and groan until she gets her way. If she thinks it's time to eat, even if it's an hour before dinner time, she'll pick up her food bowl and carry it around the house, tossing it at your feet until you finally fill it with food. When she decides it's time to go out to pee, she "rallies the troops" and gets both of her sisters all excited to go outside. In other words, Lexie rules the roost!
Over the span of just one month (June, 2012), Lexie developed sudden onset glaucoma and blindness, which was not only devastating to me and her, but also to everyone who knows her. While trying to learn more about Lou's condition, treatment, and long-term prognosis, as well as wanting to know the best methods for helping her adjust to blindness, I have searched the Internet for similar stories, but surprisingly I've found very few. Therefore, I decided to start this blog, which will chronicle mine and Lexie's adjustment to her new life as a blind Dobe. My hope is that other owners dealing with sudden canine blindness will be able to find some comfort, encouragement, and maybe even a little advice in our story. Please feel free to email me directly if you have any questions or just want to share your own story: cbellphoto@comcast.net
I found your blog thru Chad Dressen's link and have read your entire account. I've raised 4 Dobermans throughout my life and loved them all. Wonderful breed. As a result of a spontaneous nosebleed we discovered that one of my girls had VWD, so I understand the fear of bleeding, even though fortunately Lou apparently does not have that disease. Your story brought tears to my eyes for both of you. The pic of her in her pink bandaging is heart-breaking. Bless you for the care and love you're giving her; you will be rewarded. I know all of you will be playing again sooner than you can imagine now. Chin up and think positive thoughts!!
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. I don't know how I would be getting through this ordeal right now if it weren't for the support and encouragement of so many nice people, like yourself. I can't thank you enough for your kind words. :)
DeleteWhy is it that Dobes have the greatest impact on owners, more so than other breeds.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the efforts and keep blogging.
I wonder that myself sometimes. Personally, I love the breed for the fact that they are SO protective and intimidating when they need to be, yet they are also the SWEETEST, most loyal, and gentle dogs. Not to mention the biggest babies! :)
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