This baby girl arrived last night at the ranch from the Yolo County SPCA in Davis, California. The shelter had asked us earlier last week if we could take a blind 10-week puppy who had been dumped in their overnight bin. Jerry Black, our incredible volunteer who drove to Bozeman on Thursday to pick up Turtle and Mink, went to the Missoula airport yesterday evening to pick up little Ashley and drive her out to us.
Ashley is a lot smaller than she appears in these photos, weighing all of 10 pounds. She is the youngest, smallest puppy we've ever had. She is totally blind but, like our other born-blind animals, completely intrepid. She marches around, taking big exaggerated steps to feel her way along, and then she puts each paw down with a determined 'thump!' It sounds like a tiny Roman legion heading our way.
Ashley spent a good part of her first day here exploring the yard. She quickly found the front steps to the house, memorized the location, and goes straight there when she wants to come in.
She is adorably cute, playful, inquisitive, and affectionate. In short, your perfect puppy. Except she can't see. But she doesn't know that's a handicap, because she doesn't know what sight is. She assumes the world is dark for all of us, so she's not at any disadvantage. That's why our born-blind animals are so confident. It is truly inspiring to see a little blind girl like Ashley just take charge of life. It never occurs to her that she shouldn't.
How precious she looks, and healthy also. Thanks for reasurring us about Bonnie and Clyde, didn't mean to get over excited, but there are so many crazy people out there.....
Posted by: Karen SA/TX | October 24, 2005 at 04:52 PM
Ashley (who was Haley when she was here), visited our house the day before she left. I made a brief video of her, if you'd like to see it: http://basykes.blip.tv/file/2902 (need WindowsMedia Version 9 or newer to see)
I am so thrilled to see her finding such a perfect place. She seemed like a very special puppy.
Posted by: Bev | October 24, 2005 at 02:42 PM
She looks so happy there. It is so wonderful to hear that she arrived well and is adjusting so wonderfully. We are really going to miss her here!
Posted by: Cheri | October 24, 2005 at 02:31 PM