Client Name: Kelly
Patient Name: Blu
“Blu is the sweetest dog you could ever meet and although he was born blind, that has never stopped him. He came to us with some pelvic limb weakness and with therapy, we were able to improve his strength and coordination. Even though he couldn’t see us, with lots of treats and verbal communication he was able to do everything we asked of him. Way to go Blu!”
Brief History of Pet
Blu was a rescue from Texas. In 2017 I helped with several dog/cat/supply transports to and from Texas after the hurricane. I had the chance to work with a wonderful transport group from the area and we became friends and during one of our conversations I mentioned that I wanted a gray pocket pitty and when they rescued Blu from the pound, they called me.
Blu had been dumped on a busy road and had been running in/out of traffic until a kind person scooped him up and brought him to the pound. Once there they realized that he was blind and reached out to the ladies from the transport group because they worked with blind dogs and they immediately called me. I had to wait a couple of months until they headed to IL for another transport and Blu joined my family in February 2018. He had never lived in a house, so it took him some time to acclimate and learn his way around. I didn’t take long until he was zooming around the house and the yard on his own.
Why VSMR?
My vet recommended your facility, and I had a foster years ago that had sustained a TBI, and I brought him to your facility to be evaluated. I thought the staff was amazing then and even more so with Blu’s treatment.
How VSMR has helped
Your team evaluated Blu and gave him a PT plan for both in house and exercises we could do at home. His therapist, Becca, worked so hard and was so patient with Blu. She had to adapt some exercises for him, to make him use his nose, vs. his eyes. His attention span was limited at times, and he had never been in water until his therapy in the water tank, so she really had to work to keep his focus. Kudos to Becca for all her hard work. All your staff were amazing through the process. The doctor explained about his injury and answered all my question. All the staff gave him encouragement and attention which he loved.
“You can’t help but be happy when Blu is around. He gives the best kisses!”
“Blu may not have eyes, but he can see the beauty in life. He is such a sweet boy”
Additional Information
I have so many amazing memories of how resilient Blu is and his ability to adapt without sight. I’ve had the opportunity to visit his rescuers a couple of times, and he travels so well. I just put his dog bed in the front passenger seat, and he sleeps the whole way.
The best experience was after I adopted another dog and the two of them bonded immediately. His new pal, Daffodil, loves to chase squirrels through the yard, something Blu had no concept about, but now as she chases the squirrels, he runs behind her barking and tail wagging.
Blu does not do special sports, titles or job. Because his other senses are so enhanced due to his blindness, I’ve taken him to nose training which he thoroughly enjoys.
Non-Profit Organization
I would like to promote Kane Area Rehabilitation & Education for Wildlife located in St. Charles, IL. They take in orphaned wildlife, animals that are hurt and injured, etc. and rehab them and if possible, release them back into the wild. They have a very dedicated staff, and they’ve taken in 2 baby squirrels that I’ve found in my yard.
