I got this shot yesterday of blind Madison in the RTV when I took her with me to do some pasture chores. She loves going for a ride in this vehicle! I took her with me one day a few weeks ago, and that got her hooked. Now, whenever she hears me driving by Widget's House, she runs to the gate and then races back and forth along the fence, trying to get my attention -- "Hey, over here! Take me with you!" So I stopped Sunday afternoon, picked her up and plopped her on the seat, and headed off again.
Madison sits up like this while I'm driving (I hold on to her collar with one hand), and I can see her sniffing the air and her nose twitching at different smells. If you didn't know she was blind, you'd think she was looking around as we drove.
When I got out to the pasture to do some fence work, I lifted her out, put her on the ground, and hooked her up to the vehicle so she'd have some shade. She quietly laid down on the grass and stayed there until I finished, then I drove her back to Widget's House. Her tail was wagging as I led her through the gate, and I could tell she was quite happy with her little drive across the ranch.
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We're on the final stretch -- voting ends Sunday, July 26th -- so
please keeping voting for us every day in The Animal Rescue
Site/PetFinder's Shelter Challenge.
Enter
"Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT for Montana,
and it will bring up our listing so you can cast your vote. Invite your family and friends to vote, too!
Wow .. still No. 3, and that means a $3,000 grant if we can hold that spot! Thanks for voting!
I am a volunteer at Meridian Valley Animal Shelter in Idaho where Madison came from. She was always a sweetheart and it brought tears to my eyes to see her so happy. My golden retriever Scarlett O' Hairy (also from the shelter)loves riding on our ATV so I know how Madison feels. Keep up the good work. Scarlett's mom Judy
Posted by: Judy Pritchard | July 30, 2009 at 11:33 AM
I love this. Madison looks so cute & I know she had a great time. She sounds like a great companion to take along for the ride. We used to have a lab that loved to go for ride in our truck. When my Dad would be working in the yard Cinder would go & sit in the back of the truck hinting for a ride or making sure she didn't miss one. 99% of the time after my Dad was finished w/ the yard work he would get in the truck & take Cinder for a ride around the block. It was the sweetest, cutest thing.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | July 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Looks like you're doing your bit to "Drive Miss Madison" to me. Haven't you figured out that yet?
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | July 14, 2009 at 04:53 PM
She sure looks like she's been doing this all her life. What a pro!
Everyone wants to feel like they do something important. Madison has clearly found her niche.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | July 14, 2009 at 02:17 PM
What a treat for both of you. You have a buddy to keep you company and she gets to go for "a ride" with the boss. What could be better?! Ev
Posted by: Ev | July 14, 2009 at 01:05 PM
Great photo and great story! I'm sure it's nice to have a companion now and then as you ride around to do chores. We enjoyed reading about the Dishwashing Dachshund yesterday too.
I vote for you every day, and my husband has linked to you (or whatever it's called) from his Facebook page. Very happy you're still No. 3 and will do our part to keep you there or higher.
Posted by: Tonya | July 14, 2009 at 12:22 PM
aww this is sweet!
Posted by: pet sling | July 14, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Oh yes - the joy of living! - it shows on this little girl's face - she is lucky to have such a wonderful caring and hardworking companion. When I take my dogs for a ride, my male dog barks out of the window making the people on the street smile. He helps me appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Thank you for caring about sweet Madison.
Posted by: Angela | July 14, 2009 at 10:18 AM
What a good dog! It is so heartwarming to see how happy Madison and all of your animals are! I so enjoy reading about the ranch, it is the only blog I follow.
Posted by: Dawn | July 14, 2009 at 09:44 AM
That's a great picture and she does look so happy.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | July 14, 2009 at 09:14 AM
She looks like such a sweetheart. I am so glad that she found a home with you. She deserves it!
Posted by: Suzanne | July 14, 2009 at 08:30 AM
What joy a simple drive can bring! Madison looks so happy, thinking of her is going to make me smile all day.
Thanks for spreading smiles to everyone, Steve and Alayne!
Posted by: boundforglory | July 14, 2009 at 07:07 AM
That is so sweet. These animals at RDR are amazing!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 13, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Steve..that's just awesome!! Thanks for giving her a home and how is Callie?
Love from the Pug Pack!
Otis-Sadie-Wallace-Lucie and Ginger
PS. We vote every day : )
Posted by: Maureen Bishop | July 13, 2009 at 09:26 PM
What a happy looking girl! Bless her little heart. Steve, I think its wonderful that even with all the animals on the ranch, you still manage to give them each individual love and attention, and never forget they are special pets.
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett, and Moxie | July 13, 2009 at 09:05 PM
Does Madison have to stay on the leash when you are out and about? I'm just wondering how a blind dog (and Madison in particular) reacts to large, unfamiliar surroundings if left off the leash to explore freely. Looks like you both had a great day.
Posted by: Mick | July 13, 2009 at 08:41 PM
Madison is your new RTV assistant. She isn't saying "Hey, over here! Take me with you!"; she is saying "Yo'Boss! I'm ready to ride!" :)
Posted by: Vicki | July 13, 2009 at 03:47 PM
And what a good girl she is to stay in the vehicle while you took her picture for us all to see. She must have gotten to go for rides before since she gets so excited. I know my girls beg to go with us whenever we get our keys.
Seems you've finally found a new chore partner; I'm sure Pappy would approve.
Posted by: Lynn | July 13, 2009 at 03:34 PM
Isn't it nice to know your purpose in life? ;)
Posted by: Amy A | July 13, 2009 at 03:31 PM