Alayne got these photos the other evening when we were bringing the dogs in for the last time at night. Blind Owen the Beagle and Miss Irene suddenly started playing together, chasing each other across the floor and around the room. Alayne went to get the camera and started clicking away. It had been hard to photograph them because they were in such constant motion, skittering back and forth in the room, but then they ended up roughhousing on one of the beds, and that's when she took these shots.
Bear in mind Irene doesn't know or realize Owen is blind, and he doesn't know she can see ... and yet none of that keeps these two from having the time of their lives. One thing I love in watching Irene trying to get other dogs to play with her is her body language, which she displays plenty of in these photos:
Click on this next one for a larger and better view of her wild-eyed expression:
And finally ...
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$1,000 Weekly Winner Again -- Thank You!
Because of all of your votes, we were the weekly winner for week 3 again in the Shelter Challenge -- and that brought in another $1,000 gift for the animals here! Thank you so much!
The new Shelter Challenge started October 3rd and ends at midnight on December 18th. Grand prize in this round is $5,000, plus $1,000 for weekly winners and $1,000 for state winners. There are also other categories ... please see the Shelter Challenge website for details.
And remember, you can vote every day, so consider bookmarking the voting page to make it easy.
You can vote in the Shelter Challenge here.
Please note: Use Rolling Dog Ranch for our name and NH for the state and our listing will come up. [Yes, we are still listed as Rolling Dog Ranch for the purposes of the contest, not Rolling Dog Farm.]
Please help us win more money for the animals here by voting every day, and by encouraging your family, friends and colleagues to vote every day, too. Thank you!
So good to see Irene doing well! I've wondered about her several times. I'll pass this along so all here that cared for her will see her. Thanks again for taking her in when no one else would.
Suzy in Murray, KY
Posted by: Suzy Crook | December 09, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Personality PLUS! How fun for them! Hope it continues...
Posted by: Lisa K. - San Diego | December 09, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Irene, I hope you and Owen have a wonderful time goofing off this holiday season. So happy to see you both playing together.
Posted by: Chloe | December 06, 2011 at 01:38 PM
I think she wins the prize for Most Playful! What a cutie. I wonder if blind dogs can sense body language when it's happening near them... they might feel air currents or the warmth of the other dog's body approaching and moving, and be able to recognize a play bow, etc. Since Owen was receptive, maybe now Irene will leave Fuzzy in peace?!
Posted by: Tonya Allen | December 06, 2011 at 05:24 AM
Determination has paid off. She is so sweet!!
Posted by: MR.LIMO | December 05, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Wow! Owen and Irene are so inspiring. My dog, Eddie turned blind this year. I have been following your site since then. These dogs are so inspirational in how stoically they deal with their blindness.
Posted by: pamita bhandari | December 05, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Persistence pays off for little Irene. It was only a matter of time till she found a playmate. Very cute!
Posted by: Anne in FL | December 05, 2011 at 12:29 PM
YAY for Irene!!! She finally got someone to play with her! Way to go Owen! Such cute pictures of an obvious really good time!
Posted by: MsFitzTX | December 05, 2011 at 11:55 AM
I am so happy to finally see that Irene's determination has paid off. She is so sweet!!
THIS IS GIRL POWER IN THE HIGHEST DEGREE...
Posted by: Sandra in Tennessee | December 05, 2011 at 10:40 AM
GREAT PIC'S ALAYNE. IRENE HAS FINALLY MET HER MATCH OR FOUND HER SOUL MATE, I'M NOT SURE WHICH. LOOKS LIKE OWEN WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH WHATEVER SHE THROWS AT HIM BLIND OR NOT.
Posted by: FELICIA | December 05, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Finally!!
Posted by: Laura, Levi and Timmy | December 05, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Unabashed fun! We should all take note......
Posted by: Linda Murphy | December 05, 2011 at 09:56 AM
There was a character in "Lady and the Tramp" voiced by the great singer Peggy Lee. The dog looked a lot like our Irene with that lock of hair over one eye implying she was something of a vamp. Owen has now "seen" Irene for how charming she truly is. Their joy in finding one another brings me joy. Good Eye, Owen! :) :)
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | December 05, 2011 at 09:55 AM
I'm glad Irene finally found a friend in Owen. Fuzzy won't realize what he is missing!
Posted by: Karla | December 05, 2011 at 09:49 AM
So glad Irene found a willing playmate! Priceless!
Posted by: DarcC | December 05, 2011 at 08:53 AM
What a great post to start the week with! Miss Irene will be running the place in another month....
Posted by: Mary H. | December 05, 2011 at 07:29 AM
What fun! glad they had a great time. Thanks for a great start to the day.
Posted by: Glenda | December 05, 2011 at 07:20 AM
Love those series of pictures. Irene finally found a handsome guy to hang around and play with!
Posted by: Ann | December 05, 2011 at 03:11 AM
That's so sweet!!
Posted by: Tricia Taylor | December 05, 2011 at 12:19 AM
Your last several photos have started my weeks off with a smile. I hope each one of your dogs has a wonderful Christmas.
Posted by: Betsy | December 04, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Sweet little Irene. She's been trying so hard to make friends and all her efforts have finally paid off. She just had to find the right guy to fall for her obvious charms.
Posted by: Janet | December 04, 2011 at 08:50 PM
Brings me joy---thanks!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | December 04, 2011 at 08:46 PM