Baron and Stoney -- The Good Life

Wendy M. from Missoula, who adopted blind Stoney and blind-and-deaf Baron back in June, just emailed us a wonderful update on them along with some new photos. 

For that photo above, Wendy wrote:  "Baron's favorite thing to do is sleep in on these cold mornings, so I included a picture of him refusing to wake up even though I've pulled the blankets off of him."

She said, "This weekend we went camping up the Bitterroot for probably the last time this summer. Stoney spent most of the time in the creek while the little one did the "Baron Prance" around the campsite. (Anyone who has seen Baron run knows what I am talking about!)"

Here's a photo Wendy sent of "I'm-a-water-dog" Stoney enjoying the creek:

Wendy wrote, "Stoney has really taken to me (I call her my sidekick) and rarely lets me out of smell range....  Along with knowing how to "sit," she now knows "lay down" and "shake."  She's also become a master of squeezing herself onto the couch even when there is no room for her.  She still loves going to the dog park here in Missoula and hiking up at Blue Mountain.  Her sense of smell and her attachment with me is so great we don't even have to use a leash -- she stays right next to me or a little behind."

And speaking of leashes, Wendy said "Baron has improved greatly on the leash and now understands that when I pull on him, I'm trying to help him!  He's very responsive now and can go for walks just like any dog."

Here's the family photo from Wendy's weekend camping trip with these two very lucky dogs:

Thank you, Wendy!

Comments

[Jenna]

I've been in love with Baron since he first showed up on the website (I live in Michigan or else I'd be a regular volunteer!) and it's so nice to see he found his forever home. Being partially deaf myself, I think when the time is right for me to adopt a dog I will probably try to meet some deaf dogs to see if I connect with them (I'm a firm believer that you can't just pick an animal out because they "look cute").

Congrats to Baron, Stoney and the family, it sounds like they're all happy... And thanks for the updates, I love to see them when I check in (only once in awhile, I tend to read every post and avoid work for hours at a time)

[Kathy and Jimi Ryan]

Hi Wendy, I stumbled upon this site when doing research on blind and deaf dogs, we adopted a blind and deaf Catahoula Hound mix just days ago, I was wondering if you had any advice on trying to communicate with her. Thank you, Kathy and Jimi www.jimiandkathy@aol.com

[Beverly]

Wendy,

Thank you so much for the updates on Stoney and Baron! What a wonderful life you're giving them!! Looking forward to future updates :<))! Keeping you and the pups in my prayers......
All the best,
Beverly

Thanks Steve and Alayne for sharing the update!You're dedication to placing these remarkable animals in loving, forever homes is awe inspiring!
Continued blessing to you and everyone at RDR!!

[Linda]

Everytime Wendy sends updates and pictures, I marvel at how well Baron and Stoney are doing, and how lucky they are to have found Wendy. But I am also incredibly jealous of Wendy for having the courage to adopt them and find ways to give them a normal life. How rewarding is that? Luck runs both ways. Someday when we have "an opening" and are ready to adopt again, I plan to nudge my husband toward a "disabled" dog.

[gayle]

I love the updates!! Baron looks so happy!!!!

[bregda (s. africa)]

My heart is melting into big chocolate drops. What a wonderfully satisfying update - Baron & Stoney: life is good!!
This must really warm your hearts, Steve & Alayne.

Have a very good weekend.

[Shirley * James * Portland, OR]

Wendy,

We had such a special place in our hearts for Stoney and talked about adopting her for almost a year! Then right before we came out to the ranch another dog need a foster home for the summer. We thought we would adopt Stoney after the summer but now to know she really got the PERFECT home is amazing! You are an angel and I love these pictures you send for the blog update. God Bless You--I truly mean it.

[Kate and Luke]

Gosh i miss seeing Baron during our monthly volunteer visits to the ranch! its one of those "Im so happy for them both, but I really miss em too". Wendy is right Stoney IS a water dog. one might call her a water-aholic. Best wishes to the whole family! maybe we'll see you at the dog park sometime Stoney and Baron. Luke would love that.

[Debbie]

Wendy is doing such a wonderful job of loving these boys...they are obviously very happy!!!

[Boundforglory]

I love the adoption updates!

I can see that three lives have bene enriched by this adoption; Wendy's, Stoney's and Baron's.

How wonderful that Baron can walk on a leash and Stoney has learned some new tricks. These two dogs, especially Baron, are a great testiment to the fact that animals with disabilities can have the happiest life.

They can love and be loved; it's a beautiful thing! Keep it going!

[Carla Polastro-Nigro]

Thank you for this wonderful update & these great pictures!

Wendy, Baron and Stoney make up such a happy threesome, just looking at them does good to my heart!:-)

[Nina]

What a precious family photo! These two dogs have the life with Wendy! This has to be so rewarding for both of you to see how well these precious critters are doing!

[Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin - San Antonio TX]

Wendy, what a wonderful life you have given these two boys! I'm so happy for them! I love all that you have done to give them such a loving, exciting, adventurous homelife. They really are living the life! Great family photo! Thank you for sending updates! Steve & Alayne, I know this does your heart good!