Deaf and Blind Puppy.... Mango

For the next several weeks we will be discussing deafness and blindness in dogs. We will talk about causes, treatments, tests and training... if any of you have any experience in dealing with special needs dogs, please chime in.

Meet Mango. He is a 12 week old mix breed puppy. Mango is available for adoption through Pet Rescue By Judy. While awaiting adoption, Mango is being fostered by Astrid (Lilo and Joy's mum) and trained by Doglando.

It is amazing how "normal" Mango is, if blindness and deafness were not considered handicaps or disabilities. Unlike many of the deaf dogs we have encountered, Mango seems surprisingly calm, cautions, and unbelievably sensible for his age. It has been just short of week since Mango has been with us, and he attends daycare at Doglando three times a week. On his first day at Doglando, he learnt the general direction of the door that leads to the outdoors. He became familiar with stairs very quickly; its just amazing to watch him slow down when he thinks he is approaching them.

We had a lot to learn immediately from this little boy. Instead of trying to adjust the environment to better suite him, we had to let him be, and explore to learn the environment. We realized we had better put the water bowl down on the same spot each time after refills, and make certain things part of a routine for him to learn with success.

Mango, like every other puppy, has found a love for rocks and mulch. We can set him down anywhere on Doglando's property, and this young guy knows exactly where to go to find gravel and mulch :)

At home, Mango has found best friends in Lilo. He knows his foster home inside out, and will even go out on his own. He refuses to go potty in his crate (so far), will bark with quite a high pitched sound informing of Astrid of his potty needs. Other than that, he is such a happy boy, and so incredibly smart, amazing and cute.

I am working on having him approved to visit the Magnolia School (a school for the severely physically and mentally handicap and profound children). Last week when I went to tour the school, I met a three year old boy who was also deaf and blind.... we think this may mean a lot to both of them.

Stay tuned for more on raising a deaf and blind puppy