Piglet

I guess that it is impossible to imagine living in a world of no sight or sound, where touch, taste and smell are the only medium that would have any significance in our lives. Just as there are humans born like this, so there are also dogs, and they also need families. Amazingly, these dogs can settle quite quickly in their new homes, provided their new owners make the adjustments that are needed and accept that, despite their issues, they can be very playful, go for walks just the same as sighted dogs, be incredibly adventurous and extremely loving and affectionate. They usually are at their most content when they are in physical contact with their human. So first we can talk about those born blind and deaf, and later the ones that become blind and deaf due to old age.

There is one simple test for anyone facing this problem. The dogs’ quality of life. Can we create one?

Meet Piglet

Probably the most famous blind, deaf dog in the world is Piglet.

Piglet is a blind, deaf Chihuahua-Dachshund cross that was rescued along with his mother and seven siblings from an unsuitable environment. He weighed less than two pounds when he arrived, and his disability is most certainly the result of irresponsible breeding. Tests quickly showed that Piglet had no sight or hearing but fortunately he was fostered by Melissa Shapiro a veterinarian. As a forever home was being sought, Melissa fell in love with the pink puppy who showed a remarkable resemblance to the aptly named individual in the Winnie the Pooh books and decided to adopt the pup herself.

Melissa Shapiro operates the Visiting Vet Service, and after months of tantrums as Piglet complained bitterly about suffering from separation anxiety, he was able to accompany Melissa on her rounds.

He plays with the other rescue dogs in the household and goes for walks just as sighted dogs do.

When Melissa adopted Piglet, she vowed that he would enjoy a meaningful, productive life.

Melissa started Piglet International Inc.  A non-profit organisation that supports the Piglet mindset educational program, the aim being to educate adults and children to be positive, kind, resilient and compassionate. Also advocating for animals, particularly those that are disabled, and sharing Piglet with others all over the world through social media. There are two books, one simply entitled “Piglet” and another called  “Piglet Comes Home”, which is a picture book for children.

When disabilities develop later

Dogs like Piglet know nothing different; they are born blind and deaf, but for the elderly dog, things are a little bit different. They have experienced sight and sound and the loss is very hard for them to adjust. The only consolation is that with both disabilities, the decline is usually slow to manifest itself.

Many accept the loss with the stoicism that many dogs show in their lifetime, and this is particularly prevalent among dogs that are in a loving environment where the pet is considered a member of the family. Becoming blind or deaf brings little change as the family adjusts to the change in circumstance

Signs to watch for

For the elderly dog that suffers from both conditions, whether by accident or old age, whilst the problem needs to be addressed, it is not insurmountable. First, we need to look for the obvious symptoms of distress.

• Aggression
• Whimpering
• Excessive sleeping
• Reluctance to interact
• Loss of appetite
• Apathy toward the owner

If these are at the forefront of the dog’s behaviour, then the quality of life is very low and tough decisions have to be made.

There is no magic formula.

It is critical to maintain a happy, relaxed environment, as dogs in general are very susceptible to atmosphere anyway, and blind, deaf ones are even more aware of any hostility or unpleasantness. Just because they cannot see or hear it doesn’t mean that they are not aware of their surroundings.

You know yourself that there is this thing called “atmosphere.” You are at a gathering, and something is said that causes offence. Politeness demands that if possible, we generally ignore the issue, change the subject and move on, but sometimes the atmosphere lingers, it is uncomfortable, and a social gathering can be ruined by a carelessly worded remark. This is uncomfortable to any dog, but to a deaf, blind pet with their highly tuned ability to absorb these changes, it is critical that these atmospheres are avoided, which in a normal, happy family group, where a pet is treated as one of the family, is fairly easy.

For those who wish to know more about Piglet, they can keep up to date by going to Pigletmindset.org and most social media outlets.