It seems so much longer since we took the trip to see little Nell and then brought her home . Anyone who has rehomed a dog, will know that it isn't always plain sailing ! There are those who wax lyrical about the dog being eternally grateful etc . but having rescued several times, I don't hold with this theory at all ! So , I was prepared for issues , expecting crying at night , expecting her to be unsettled and confused , not a bit of it ! However , as most of you know , we then realised that our little one is deaf , to what degree we don't know but she doesn't hear much, Vet confirmed this , and the sounds she does hear cause confusion as to their place of origin . So , this would maybe explain why we were here fourth home in two years and I must admit that I felt quite anxious , almost out of my depth , wondering how on earth I could cope with a deaf dog ! Well , she has been a star ! She had been used to eating mainly cat food left down all day , so the challenge was on to get her used to two meals a day , dog food ! One week of fussiness has led to her now eating mainly raw with some good quality small breed kibble , never leaving a scrap . Training is slow , she is housetrained , not one accident , and doesn't chew either thank goodness ! But recall is going to be so much more difficult and I must admit that I might never be able to unhook her from the long line she trails behind her . I do now let go of the end , so that she can have a scamper around , but without recall , I am terrified of completely letting her go ! Whistles seem to catch her ear , but she has no conception as to where the sound comes from , so even whistles are difficult . She now plays , seems to really enjoy being out in the garden and quite happy playing alone , chasing leaves or butterflies , and when Sam decides to join her , they will interact , often tearing around the garden together, which is lovely . Would I have had her, had I known she was deaf ? Oh yes , for sure !
Only 3 weeks, Nell really has settled in and got her little paws well and truly under the table bless her. Rescues can be very difficult as I know only too well but Nell sounds an absolute dream. I don't think she would run off if you let her off lead as she sounds as if she wants to be with Sam and you but you know her best. Aw bless you Kate of course you would have taken her knowing she is deaf, how could anyone resist that little face no training issue is too big or too small for you with your experience. You will find a way to communicate with her for recall and I wish you every success with it. She's a very, very lucky girl indeed xx
She's a wonderful little dog she just needed someone to appreciate her. Ive had a badly disabled dog and 2 deaf ones you just get round any problems. She trusts you, you will he fine. It's just different I wouldn't hesitate to take a deaf or partially sighted dog now. She's clearly happy with you and a whole new world if happiness is opening up for her. Such a strong little character
I read about a deaf dog that had bells put on his collar so that he could be let off leash to wander in the forest, but the owner could hear where he was and go get him if need be. Not sure if bells will upset partially-hearing Nell?
Nell is really blossoming..how complete is her deafness do you think? The only problem seems to be just her recall. I know that extending leads can be the work of the devil...but sometimes they can be quite useful, especially the ones made with tape and not cord. We used one for Casper when on holiday recently
Ah Kate that's a really positive update on how you are all getting to know each other and settling in a rescue dog .....she sounds a little love x
Thank you xx I`m going to buy a new longline , one that is waterproof !! She hears some high pitched sounds , and responds by casting around to see where the sound is coming from , but just normal level sounds she doesn't hear at all , even calling her name . We love her to bits though , and she is settling into a lovely calm relationship with her big brother x
She does check in with me, unless she finds a mouse hole , and then, nothing will distract her ! I don't think anyone has ever done any specific training with her , just passed from pillar to post , and yet she is so delightful , very affectionate and seemingly wanting to stay close, which is a great starting point . I must admit to feeling a little overwhelmed with the enormity of it at times , she is going to be a work in progress for some considerable time , but so worth the effort x
