Hearing Dogs For The Blind

On one hand it is known as man's best friend, but on the other it can be his worst nightmare. Recent events in the UK have shown unprovoked dog attacks, yet on a daily basis dogs attend to the blind and hard of hearing, search and rescue dogs risk their lives for those of humans, police and drug sniffer dogs provide an invaluable service. Their use as working animals is of no doubt. In today's work culture, does anyone have the time to devote to a dog as a pet anymore? With their heavy responsiblity is it now practical to own a dog as a pet? Are the few responsible dog owners who train, socialise and look after their dogs outnumbered by those who buy without thinking? Please share your views.
I don't want advice about getting or owning a dog, that was not my question. I want your opinions. And whoever gave me a thumbs down, I did not deserve that because my question was a serious one, so get a life whoever you are.

Dogs do make great pets, but you can't expect to get one and then just sit back and expect it to be exactly what you want, as do a lot of dog owners. I think most dog owners are fairly responsible and train their dogs well but of course it is the minority who don't that let the animals down. A bad-tempered dog doesn't just happen - it becomes so because of the way it is treated.

It is still practical to own a dog, as long as people realise that time will have to be spent on it. I would love a dog, but as the whole family work full time, it would be totally impractical. I can't wait til I retire in a couple of years time, then I'm off to a rescue centre to find one!

The old saying still holds true - A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.

2007-01-12 03:42:22 by Anon

The Golden Retriever is a breed of dog. They were historically developed as gundogs to retrieve shot waterfowl such as ducks and upland game birds ...

He is only 4, a Pekingese. He went in for a surgery a few months ago and came out blind in one eye. Well the other night I let him in the back yard (fenced in) and went to get him about 20 min later and his eye had popped out, well was hanging out. They had to remove his eye so now he is completely blind! I am having the hardest time dealing with this... he is my baby and he is running into everything and acting totally different... he doesnt like some foods and he doesnt play much. He is on medicine right now but will he get better? How long does it usually take for a dog to adjust? I hear stories about blind dogs that are perfectly fine but its still hard.
Any advice would sure help! And thanks!!!
Thanks for all of your help. He is actually doing alot better today. He found and ate his supper all by himself and is starting to walk faster and almost get up to a slight jog. I just feel like part of me is missing still. Thanks again for all your help!

Since he is very scared and nervous right now, you have to be strong for him. Just be calm and realize that dogs can adapt to things really easily and have survival instincts so they know how to adapt to their environment and conditions. Just don't move anything inside the house so that eventually, when he realizes what happened, he can easily move around the house. Just use soothing voices and praises and he'll be fine. Just try to keep him as comfortable as possible and give him all the medication he needs. Good luck. When a dog is stressed out or scared, it won't eat, so just be patient with him and eventually, he will eat.

2007-12-19 10:36:40 by crystal v

i wipe her bum with baby wipes (she hates it) but i dont want her getting a little bit of poo on the carpet (i hear dog poo can make you blind)

unless she has diarrhoea or its soiled her coat then there is no need to wipe her

2007-07-28 15:02:35 by dark-knight

Dogs guide the blind, detect cancer, predict seizures, find people buried in snow, are used by police and army for tracking purposes, they warn owners of fire in the house, or that babies are in danger, they are guardians they save lives...

I am wondering why they are not protected with a special status where it would be criminal to abuse a dog just like it is criminal to abuse a child or another person. They are not just a plain simple animal they save lives. Personally, I would like to see them to be recognized as a protected specie.

When I hear dogs are abused the way Michael Vicks did my soul is torn into a zillion pieces. What is your opinion on the idea of obtaining a special status for dogs and what are you ready to do to make this happen?

i so agree with u! dogs are wonderful creatures that deserve protection! hearing what vick did also tore my soul into a zillion pieces. :(

2007-08-19 19:03:46 by Liz

and we are going out to the park for a picnic this weekend.
I really don't know how to ask her politely but I know her dog really likes my dog, and my dog thinks a lot about her dog, because she makes these yipping sounds when she starts dreaming as she sleeps on the rug.
I only have to say her seeing eye dog's name, and my dog gets into yipping in her sleep, so I know they got a thing going.
The thing is, are seeing eye dogs allowed to fall in love?
Are normal dogs allowed to come on 'no-dogs-allowed-in-the park' picnics, and should I fake my dog in as a hearing-ear-dog to get her past the park ranger, so love can bloom? Please help.
What do you think?

Be serious.

Hey....Love is Love....even puppy love.....let them get it on...maybe it will help you to get lucky too.......and remember...do it doggie style....

2008-01-28 04:27:58 by Danny Dix