HollyMilo Posted July 13, 2011 Share Posted July 13, 2011 MINNEAPOLIS - It’s not uncommon for kids to take care of their parents in their old age, but for one mom-and-pup team, seeing is believing. Two Labrador retrievers -- one blind -- that were days away from being put down in Nebraska are bark buddies that help one another get around. Twin Cities rescue organization Secondhand Hounds helped give 10-year-old Daisy and her pup, duke, a new lease on life by helping them find a home with the help of trainer Leda Blom. “They’re so kind,” Blom said of the two pooches. “From the moment that they got here, their tails have been wagging.” The doggy duo is a rare combination and the pair of pooches refuses to be separated. In fact, the canines cohabitate in specially-made dog house so Daisy and Duke can keep an eye on one another. “She’s completely blind,” said Blom, of Daisy. “You’ll see her eyes, and it’s like two beautiful, pearl-white marbles. Since Daisy can’t see, Duke picks up the slack and won’t let his 10-year-old mother out of his sight. “If at any point in time she gets too far away or she gets disoriented, she’ll stop and she’ll bark and he’ll come running to her,” Blom explained. Daisy still stumbles and may not always find the doggie door on the first try, but Blom said that with Duke’s help, the old girl can maintain her independence and get where she’s trying to go. “She’s very independent, which is kind of surprising,” said Blom. “I thought she’d be skittish, but no -- very confident. I think very hard-headed, because she bumps into a lot of things.” Blom has been working with the duo three times a week to teach basic obedience and a few tricks to keep Daisy out of harm’s way. “I’m adding the cue, ‘careful,’” Blom explained. “She’s already starting to hesitate because she knows she’s going to bump into something.” The training is being paid for by an anonymous benefactor who hired Blom to get the pair of pooches ready for adoption. Blom said Duke is still pretty protective of his mother, but both are learning to become more independent even though the goal is to find a home that will welcome tail-wagging team. “This is just an incredible bond between two dogs that have to stay together,” Blom explained. The foster family currently putting up the pooches has also offered to pay for an additional month of in-home training for the new owners. There is video footage in the link http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/pets/seeing-bark-buddy-helps-blind-labrador-jul-11-2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panto Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 awww... that's so lovely..! Thanks for sharing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyStar Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 What a lovely story!! What a kind foster family, too! And I really love the name of the rescue org, Secondhand Hounds!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilmisssascha83 Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 Awww that is beautiful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tapua Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 Awww beautiful - glad to see the pair can stay together Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlowerProwler Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 What an awesome story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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