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At nine weeks of age, Hank was already a pup waiting to be
rescued. His was not a case of neglect, but a set of convoluted
circumstances that had befallen a tiny, baby boy. Like all puppies,
he was precious and it was love at first sight for me and my
husband. Nevertheless, we had no idea what a remarkable role he
would play in our lives.
Shiloh, our older Schnauzer, all but danced on her hind paws when
that little, snow-white fellow arrived on the scene. Time to become
acquainted wasn’t necessary, for within
minutes they were doing laps ‘round the couch. Hank’s stamina and
determination showed immediately as his little legs dug into the
carpet trying to keep up with a full-grown dog.
With oodles of extra love and attention, Shiloh had coped with
the loss of her lifetime pal, Josey, fairly well. Still, she was
overjoyed when that rowdy, young boy entered her life. I wept
thinking we should have provided her with a new friend sooner, and
before those tears were dry—more tears
began—tears of joy because Shiloh was so
"taken" with Hank.
That first evening, I knew there was something mystical about
Hank. After a good romp and a nap, he awoke and took off to explore
his new home. Soon he had located Shiloh’s food dish. He promptly
picked it up by the edge, dragged it into the living room, and
plunked it down at my feet. Goose bumps raced from my head to my
toes; Josey had always placed her dish at my feet,
no matter where in the house I might be. Yes, even in the
bathroom! No doubt, Hank’s dish maneuver was Josey sending a playful
"stamp of approval" all the way from Rainbow Bridge. More tears
tumbled!
Hank was up for anything that involved being rough and tumble and
he cared not that Shiloh was much larger. When they weren’t
wrestling or playing chase, he would lavish me and my husband with
kisses. From dawn until dusk his tail wagged and he bounced instead
of walking. I often thought he should have been named Happy!
Life was good.
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Quite abruptly and with only a few subtle signs, Shiloh was blind
by the time Hank turned one year of age. My husband, Jerry, and I
were overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. I read everything I could
find about living with a blind animal and had lengthy visits with
our vet. Regardless of all I learned, in my mind I knew Shiloh would
never truly enjoy life again. She would eat, sleep, and become an
old dog before her time. I was numb with sadness for Shiloh. Her
active, action-packed life would become nothing more than a memory.
Well! Not only were we astonished with Shiloh’s ability to adapt
to her handicap, but Hank transformed himself into her personal
seeing-eye dog! He began to fetch her dish, as well as his, at chow
time. Other behaviors also indicated his awareness of her plight and
he worked daily making adjustments to better her life.
What’s more, Hank then appointed himself as Shiloh’s
disciplinarian. When she’d begin to dig the carpet or bedding to
make a nest, he’d gently grasp one of her front legs in his mouth,
lift it up, and hold it! He detested when she was scolded for her
naughty habit, therefore, he took care of business before we even
had a chance.
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The devotion of Shiloh and Hank has intensified to the point they
are inseparable. And, if it is necessary for them to be apart, you’d
best wear ear plugs! They have unleashed sounds of anguish that I
didn’t realize could be made by man or beast.
Our one-time fears are now a thing of the past and Shiloh’s life
is filled with joy, thanks to Hank! Together they have learned how
to cope with her blindness, and to get past most any obstacle that
comes their way.
Hank now zooms by Shiloh until he notes body language that
indicates she’s "ready." He zips by her once again, in close
proximity, with a favorite toy in his mouth. Shiloh strikes like
lightening, grabs hold, and the tug-o-war begins! And, wrestling
matches are still a part of each day. Many times Hank pretends
Shiloh is winning—even though he is now
the larger of the two. He rolls on his back and pretends he can’t
get up while she works him over. Oh, how her tail does wag!
Shiloh is always Hank’s first concern, but he takes care of me
and my husband also. If we are sick, he snuggles up in bed with us
awaiting our recovery. Should we want to play ball or go for a walk,
he’s ready! He is one busy, but happy, fellow.
When the four of us crawl into bed at night, Hank is literally
zonked out within seconds, and it’s no wonder. His life is devoted
to the needs of every member of his pack, and especially Shiloh…his
blind charge.
As I drift off to sleep at night, I often wonder if Hank is
really a snow-white Schnauzer, or an angel in disguise…
©2007 Kathleene S. Baker
Lnstrlady@aol.com
www.txyellowrose.com
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