I got this photo yesterday of wobbly Soba and blind Helen. It sure looks like Soba was whispering some kind of secret into Helen's ear, doesn't it?
I was facing into the sun with the camera, and with the bright snow and the big black dog ... well, the camera couldn't figure out how to balance the color contrast. I tried to fix it using my Mac's photo editing software but it still looks a bit odd.
You can see Soba's wide stance with both her front legs and back legs -- that's a classic posture for a dog with cerebellar hypoplasia. Soba rarely falls down because she is so good at keeping her feet so far apart for stability.
You may recall that dear Helen had to have a rear leg removed for cancer last year. Already blind, she struggled for a while adapting to being three-legged -- I think not being able to see made maintaining her sense of balance much more difficult -- yet she's finally got it mastered.
I don't know what secret Soba was sharing, but Helen seemed a bit dubious about the source.
Listen,
Do you want to know a secret?,
Do you promise not to tell?, whoa oh, oh.
Closer,
Let me whisper in your ear,
Say the words we long to hear,
Listen,
Do you want to know a secret?,
Do you promise not to tell?, whoa oh, oh.
I've known the secret for a week or two,Nobody knows, just we two.
You two are great girlfriends!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | February 25, 2009 at 11:51 PM
I would love to know what that secret is all about. Both dogs look beautiful. Amazing & wonderful how they adapt so well.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | February 25, 2009 at 12:55 PM
I'm glad Helen has adjusted to being on 3 legs.
Perhaps Sultry Soba senses Helen's need for a little encouragement.
"keep it up Helen, you're doing great!"
Posted by: Boundforglory | February 25, 2009 at 09:19 AM
"What? Did you say spring was just around the corner??"
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | February 24, 2009 at 04:21 PM
Just goes to show you how resilient animals are. Every animal with a disability deserves a chance to live and if you give them a chance, they'll show you how much they want to live! Thanks Alayne and Steve for giving so many disabled animals a second chance at life...Tia
Posted by: Tia Mills | February 24, 2009 at 12:38 PM
I always thought Widget to be the gossip queen of the Ranch but maybe Soba is following in her footsteps!
Posted by: Kate and Luke | February 24, 2009 at 11:39 AM
These two sweethearts look very well-balanced to me. Thank you for giving them such a balanced life with lots of love and care.
Posted by: Angela | February 24, 2009 at 11:33 AM
That's a great pic! I love how they are sharing secrets. You just never know what they may be up to, so you'd better watch your p's & q's! Glad to hear that Helen has adjusted to being without her 4th leg.
Warm hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | February 23, 2009 at 07:52 PM
How wonderful to see Helen. She looks great!
Posted by: Lynn | February 23, 2009 at 05:23 PM