One of the ways you can provide "mental stimulation" for a blind dog is with a scent trail. You take small dog treats that have a fairly distinct smell and lay them out on the ground, every 10 to 20 feet or so, and create a winding trail of the treats for 30 yards or more. The dogs set out to find the treats, just using their noses. It's quite a game, and they love it.
Well, our employee Cindy inadvertently turned herself into a walking scent trail for one of our blind dogs who has an incredibly acute sense of smell. Cindy often carries some dog cookies in her coat pocket while she's outside working in the dog yards, scooping the poop and doing those kinds of daily chores. Blind Allie figured out that Cindy was usually carrying treats with her, and began following her wherever she went. Allie is mostly deaf -- she can only hear very loud noises within a few feet of her -- so she relies on her nose for almost everything. The yard that Allie plays in during the day is about a half-acre, so there's quite a bit of ground to cover ... but cover it she does.
This has turned into a daily contest, with Allie doing her best to track Cindy across the yard. So the other day Cindy picked up the camera we have at Widget's House and took these photos of Allie following her human scent trail. In the photo at top, Allie has just realized -- using only her sense of smell -- that Cindy has entered the yard. She sprang out of the dog house and set off in pursuit.
Here she is, on the case:
Dang that sagebrush, it may smell nice but it sure can throw your nose off:
Now she's getting closer:
And here she realizes she may have finally cornered her quarry:
Which means, of course, only one thing: "It's time for that treat I know you have in your pocket!"
Allie, you have the most shiny coat of hair! I wish my hair was that shiny! Maybe it's the angle of that great Montana sunshine, but you are beautiful!
Hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | November 12, 2008 at 10:12 PM
I'm confused. I thought Allie was a wobble-dog. Am I thinking of a different Allie, or is this cutie the same dog?
Posted by: Moon Rani | November 12, 2008 at 06:34 PM
How cool is that?
And what a clever name you gave her... she reminds me of my guy, except he's not blind... or deaf (unless he wants to be that is).
What a great place you have going there. Major props to you for looking out for those "special" furrkids.
Posted by: Mojo | November 12, 2008 at 02:37 PM
I am so happy I found your blog ... what an inspiration you are .. and how truly wonderful are these animals!
Posted by: daryl | November 12, 2008 at 02:25 PM
That is a great daily activity & very smart of Allie to figure out a way to get a treat on a daily basis! I love the last picture, the look says, Gotcha, now may I have the treat that I cased out & I know you have in your pocket!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | November 12, 2008 at 11:50 AM
It never ceases to amaze me at how you folks do enrichment activities for your "kids"...sometimes without even realizing it!! LOL
Posted by: Debbie | November 12, 2008 at 10:25 AM
The last picture of Allie, pure patience, is adorable!
Who could resist giving her treats after such a successful search!?!
Posted by: Boundforglory | November 12, 2008 at 10:14 AM
How sweet!:-) Allie (and her terrific nose) most certainly deserved one of the treats Cindy had in her pocket... Way to go, Allie!:-)
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | November 12, 2008 at 03:13 AM
Hmm... that reminds me of another blind and hard of hearing lab i know...
Posted by: Kate and Luke | November 11, 2008 at 10:44 PM
What a wonderful life you give these animals!!
Posted by: sarah NZ | November 11, 2008 at 10:36 PM