Animal Blog
An Inspiring Blind Dog and a Seeing-Eye Human
October 31, 2012
The SPCA for Monterey County specializes in tugging heart strings. And its latest dog tale does it as well as any before it.
According to the nonprofit's people—and verified by the picture above—Champ is a handsome yellow Labrador retriever. He's 10 years old, and also blind.
That's where it gets good.
SPCA Pet Behavior Specialist Amanda Mouisset has trained the 10-year-old rescue a range of commands to move through the world.
At a word he can "wait," "step up" stairs or a curb, "step down," honor "by me," walk "behind" through things like tight spots, "back up" and "go potty."
If only all dogs were so attentive and communicative. He also understands, among other nonlisted commands, yes, so he knows he's making the right move. He is also clicker trained.
Mouisset, meanwhile, is a heart-renderer herself.
"You could say Amanda is Champ’s seeing eye human," SPCA spokesperson Beth Brookhouser says.
And thanks to her, whoever adopts Champ will be too.
Brookhouser adds this: The SPCA is now offering public training classes for blind dogs or dogs who are starting to lose their sight. Your dog will learn all of Champ’s tricks plus you will learn ways to help your dog around the home: providing various scents for different rooms, offering physical markers for doorways so they know where to turn, and more.
Classes start Nov. 17 at 1pm. Register online at www.SPCAmc.org/classes.html.>
Other classes starting in mid-November include Family Dog, Puppy, Out and About, Agility for Fun, Bully Breeds, Loose Leash Walking, and Tricks & Games. Learn more at www.SPCAmc.org.>
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID