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! ⠀
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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.
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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
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.