Scooter and Sugar, the two disabled dogs we agreed to take from the Hayward (CA) animal control shelter, arrived at the ranch last night. Their trip to Montana was made possible only because of incredible volunteers. Garrett and Delores, volunteers from the Hayward shelter, drove the dogs all the way from the Bay Area to Spokane, Washington. Our own wonderful volunteer, Jerry B., drove over to Spokane from Missoula, picked up the dogs and brought them all the way back to the sanctuary.
The deaf white female was originally named Delight, but Alayne took one look at her scooting around the yard last night and named her Scooter on the spot. She's a sweet, affectionate, frisky thing. 
(Scooter, although the same could be said about Alayne.) The nice thing about deaf dogs is it doesn't matter if you change their names, since they can't hear you calling them anyway. Scooter is still very much a puppy ... zooming all over the place.
And, as you can see from these photos we took today, she figured out right away why we call this place the Rolling Dog Ranch. As I write this, Scooter is out in one of the big dog paddocks, playing with our deaf English Pointer, Tyler.
The blind Springer Spaniel is now named Sugar. The volunteer at the Hayward shelter who contacted us about these two dogs, Terry D., decided to name her Sugar after learning we had just adopted out a blind Springer Spaniel named Cookie. So ... Sugar ... Cookie. Cute, huh? We thought it was perfect. Here she is with Alayne this evening.
Sugar is an older girl -- probably 7 or 8 -- and she can't see a thing. She's blind from a combination of cataracts and glaucoma. She's very timid at first, but as soon as she realizes you're going to pet her, she just starts wagging her tail. She usually has a 
'concerned' look on her face, but I think she'll develop confidence pretty soon. This sweet dog must have gone through so much upheaval in her life recently ... it's hard to imagine what's going through her head now. But she'll quickly realize she's safe and loved ... and she'll start to blossom.
I just love this site and read the blogs everyday at work. Your ranch is a blessing for all the abused and disabled animals.
Posted by: Janet Hooper | July 30, 2008 at 01:57 PM
I am so glad I found your page. It sounds like what you're doing is wonderful. Thank you for your patience, dedication and huge heart! I will visit often
Posted by: Michelle | August 18, 2006 at 07:23 PM
I go back to your Website often..one of the few animal sites where I know I will read "happy" ending stories..filled with kindness and love. Both of you and all of your Volunteers are #1..
Posted by: Marylin Keating | August 06, 2005 at 12:45 PM
Welcome to Scooter and Sugar. It is such a blessing that they are now safe and loved. Your volunteers are amazing !
Posted by: Leigh | July 27, 2005 at 04:38 PM