perfectly imperfect
As national dog day becomes national dog week at my house, we have a new addition to our family to tell you about! You know I have a weakness for Terriers, right? So meet our new perfectly imperfect senior, Tinkerbell.
We’ve only had her for two months, but I am officially declaring her a family member. Actually, I declared her a family member on day one! She fits right in! She’s great with Chelsea, great with our kitties, and adores everyone she meets! ⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We adopted her from Muttville, a senior dog rescue in San Francisco. I feel like we found a real treasure! Just look at that face! One of her lips gets caught on a tooth (she only has a few left after Muttville did her dental), so she has the cutest little upturned mouth on one side! ⠀⠀⠀
When she lays on the other side, her tongue often hangs out. I’m sure it’s because she’s missing so many teeth. But, the missing teeth don’t seem to bother her at all. She still chews her Greenie treats, and of course, dinner time is never a problem.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We discovered that Tinkerbell is completely deaf. I’m learning how to communicate with her, and she already seems to know how to communicate with me! She follows me all over, and if I go up or down the stairs, she’s right behind me. At times when she can’t find me, she’ll go from room to room looking for me, sometimes with me running right behind her trying to get her to notice me. I’m trying to come up with some doggie sign language that she will relate to.
The funny thing is Chelsea is pretty much deaf now, too, so I spend a lot of my day chatting away to two deaf dogs. Neither one seems to mind. And all of the articles I can find on how to work with a deaf dog, say to talk to them like you normally would, and they will learn to read your body language. It took me a while to discover that Chelsea was deaf, so I’ve been training her without even knowing it. My sweet girl is turning white now, but it’s understandable because she’s 14!
Every morning, I walk my two best friends, Chelsea, in her stroller on the way to the park and slowly walking home on the way back, and Tinkerbell on her leash right beside me. I’m sure we’re a sight to behold. During this crazy time of Covid, these walks are the perfect way to get out of the house and start my mornings.
I’ll be back to give you some Crystal Lane updates. Some pre-cuts are starting to trickle in, but things change weekly. I hope you are all doing well!
Hugs, Anne
23 Comments
bobbie
wonderful
bobbie
what a happy story thank you!!!!
Susan Martin-Lesnik
Yay for you rescuing a senior pup! They are often overlooked in shelters, but they are the best! I have a 15 year old rescued Papillion; she is my best friend…..we’re two seniors walking along together
Hildy
Love your new family member and since my cats are now 17 yo old I can relate that having an older pet is totally different from having a young one.
Megan
Pets are very stoic and take everything in their stride, they cope with such adversity I expect being deaf or blind is just accepted as normal. Lucky you found each other, hope you all have many joyous times ahead.
Nancy H.
Of course Tinkerbell fits right in – she has that distinctive Dogs of Bunny Hill look about her! She is precious. Thank you for always adopting seniors. Their last years are just as endearing as the first ones! 💕💕💕
Kathleen C
Oh my, your dogs are precious. I love to hear about your pets. God bless you for adopting seniors. I love older pets. They are so happy yo be loved. Welcome, Tinkerbell
Kathleen
Awwww, such a sweet post!
Ruth Lee
Your new family member is precious!
Patricia Godkin
Anne, your writing brings the story to life. What a gift! You have done rescues a good turn. I go to a dog park with a small dog section. The older dogs seem to be so in tune with their parents. My Maggie is 5 but really a gentle soul. We also have a 13 year old cat. The two get along and touch noses often.
Fabric time! Those tags from Hometown Parade are killing me. Cannot wait to see some up.
mimisdarlins
Aren’t they a couple of cuties! Tinkerbell was lucky you came along at just the right time to take her home. Seems a match made in heaven as they say. Humans could learn a lot from dogs in terms of embracing their own frailties :)
Sue H
Sweet pups and they’re so lucky to have you. I walk my dog daily too and it has truly been a saving grace this past year+.
Sandy
Oh your post brought tears to my eyes. If only all the dogs and cats were rescued. I hope you have many wonderful days together with your furry friends. Blessings
Marilyn
The doggies are both so cute.
Glad you rescued Tinkerbell.
Nel
Congratulations on your new family member. We have a Tinkerbell too – she’s about 14 and going deaf we think.
Diane W.
Only the best people rescue animals!
Jan
Congratulations to Tinkerbell on finding the perfect family. My sister’s miniature poodle is now blind from glaucoma & just had to have all her teeth pulled at age 17 but still ambling on & adjusting to her situation. Amazing how animals adjust & us humans often have moans & groans on life not being perfect.
LoriG
My sweet Tucker was blind and deaf a couple of years before we lost him at 18 years. Sometimes stomping your foot it doing a pound on the wall will get their attention with the vibration, unless you have cement floors! Everyone else will think you’re crazy, bit who cares?
Heidi
Bless you for getting Tinkerbell from Muttville. It’s an organization that I’ve long supported as it does so much good. Tinkerbell is adorable and so glad she and Chelsea are best friends and being seniors together. You’ve given so many pets a wonderful home over the years. I think it’s wonderful.
Marge
Anne, reading this brought tears to my eyes. Lucky, lucky Tinkerbell! You are such a kind and generous person, exactly what we need in our tumultuous world at this time.❤️
Karen Seitz
How wonderful! It’s so nice for all of you to have each other. You all make each other’s lives better.
DeAnna Dodson
They are SO precious. Both of them have the sweetest expressions, and they look totally huggy. If my cats wouldn’t object, I would love to have them, too!
Mary
Congratulations! I also have a deaf and toothless rescue chihuahua. She’s not aware of any disabilities and she’s a terror. Laura to death