Here's Duchess, the little blind-and-deaf girl who arrived three weeks ago. Because she's ancient, we've started calling her Granny, and it fits her personality. She's just the sweetest thing, and every time we pick her up, she licks us on the face. But honestly, we didn't really know how she would adapt to this environment, going from living isolated in a garage for most of her life to a high-energy household full of dogs and constant activity. That can be a difficult adjustment for any old dog, but when you consider she is totally blind and deaf, and never lived with other dogs, we had to wonder what it would be like for her.
In a phrase: piece of cake.
Actually, I should say: piece of bread, because that is her favorite thing in the world. We've discovered that she goes crazy whenever she smells bread in the kitchen, and let me tell you, she knows when there's bread out. She can smell it from anywhere. She becomes restless and paces back and forth on the kitchen floor, her head up, nose twitching and her eyes shining, searching for the bread! So whether it's toast for our breakfast or bread for sandwiches at lunch, Granny always has to get her slice first or there won't be peace in the kitchen. A piece of bread for peace in the kitchen, you might say.
Nothing has fazed her so far, and she has managed to become a "regular" in the household pack. We watch her mill around with the other dogs -- aside from the the Dachshunds she's the smallest one in the house -- and she holds her own. We worried that she might be a little snappish, just because she's old and tiny and wouldn't want to get stepped on ... especially when she can't see or hear anyone coming ... but she's never been that way with the other dogs. (Attention, Dachshunds: Please model this behavior!)
So having just told you about Granny's obsession with bread, I felt a little sheepish after putting her on the couch for the photo shoot today about noon. Usually when I put her on the couch or a bed, she'll settle down and nap, but she kept trying to get off the couch, first going one way and then the other, looking for a way down. She was in constant motion, restless, and increasingly frustrated by being up there. I said to Alayne, "Jeez, she seems pretty worked up for some reason."
And then -- hello, Steve! -- I realized why: Alayne was, yes, in the kitchen making sandwiches, and Granny could smell that bread! So she must have felt like I was tormenting her by making her sit on that confounded couch for some silly photos while her slice of bread was waiting in the kitchen!
This was the final photo in the series, with Granny's "okay, I've really had enough of this, mister!" look:
She is too cute!!!! I applaude you both for doing such an amazing thing for all of these wonderful animals. I wish I could do such a task. I thank you both for giving these animals a second chance at life!!!! Hugs and kisses to you all!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless!!
Posted by: Kristen | April 12, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I have been receiving your newsletter for a while now and I enjoy it tremendously. What can you say to two people who have such devotion to animals, thank you does not seem enough! You are doing what I would love to do with my life but have never done and feel ashamed for not trying to help these animals. I just want to say from my heart that I applaude you and give you a standing ovation for taking care of these sweet creatures that will surely meet you in Heaven one day and all say "Thank You".
Posted by: Theresa | April 09, 2008 at 07:04 PM
We miss you in Cali D-But you are doing so good and you are so happy. Thank you Steve and Alayna. You are a godsend. Bless you all...
Posted by: Lesli | April 04, 2008 at 10:18 PM
oh my god...is she cute or what! I LOVE the older dogs cuz mine are or were 18 and 19 years old! She is absolutely my fave that you have!! Hope she sticks around for a long time.
Posted by: Benita | March 26, 2008 at 10:25 PM
What a cutie! Bring on the bread!! White or Whole Grain?!! She soooo deserves being with you at the ranch....glad you had a spot for her!
Posted by: Nina | March 26, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Granny Duchess is so adorable, I just want to pick her up and snuggle her - and feed her bread of course! I am so glad she gets to live out her remaining time in such a happy and loving place. All animals deserve no less.
Oh, and Mr Caterpillar RULES! :-)
Posted by: heidi & the kitties | March 26, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Granny or Duchess, either one fits. She's old (Granny) but a still classy lady(Duchess). You are absolutely precious. You'll get all the bread you want for the rest of your life you lucky lady. Welcome to RDR.
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | March 26, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Awee she is soooo adorable! My family just recently put down our beloved 11 year old blind pug. She had been born almost completly bind and now in her andvanced age she couldn't even get up and had no joy in life. Now she can be happy in doggy heaven. Good luck on your new life Granny!
Posted by: Ashley | March 26, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Now, I'm a "big dog" person in general...but OMG, is she a cutie pie!!!
Posted by: megan rocker | March 26, 2008 at 03:25 PM
I just LUV that face! A dear, dear girl. Too bad they can't talk- there must be a wonderful bread ritual in her past. But more importantly, a wonderful future.
Posted by: Margaret | March 26, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Aww. She's so adorable! My cat Grizzley loves bread just like Granny! :D
Posted by: yoonamaniac | March 26, 2008 at 02:03 PM
What a face! She really has a spark in her eyes. Thank you so much for giving her such a loving environment. Hopefully that garage is now but a distant and fading memory.
Even Mr. Caterpillar (or what is left of him) appears to have sparkly eyes.
Posted by: Carol | March 26, 2008 at 11:40 AM
You know this story is at the same time both gently charming and heart-touchingly sad. What kind of life has Granny led that to her a piece of bread is a big treat? Did no one ever give this girl milk bones, jerky, pigs ears, anything fun to chew on, some kind of real doggy treat? That just makes me want to buy every treat imaginable and offer them to make up for what I think she's missed out on. Good thing I'm not there, Granny would get her own loaf of bread which, of course, I know is wrong but you know what I mean. Love on Granny for me okay?
Posted by: Mircat | March 26, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Granny Duchess ROCKS!
Posted by: Linda | March 26, 2008 at 10:43 AM
What a darling little dog. I wish I could pick her up and give her a piece of bread myself.
Posted by: Angela | March 26, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Granny is so adorable! To think she was being left in a garage without anyone to be with for so long breaks my heart. I am so glad that you took her in to live the rest of her life feeling loved and cared for. She will never feel lonely again!
Posted by: Lahna Zandi, Coral Springs, Florida | March 26, 2008 at 09:40 AM
This story is so cute!
It's fabulous how Granny has adjusted to a completely different life; it's a great lesson for all of us.
Glad you're enjoying the simple carbs of life, Granny!
Posted by: Boundforglory | March 26, 2008 at 09:38 AM
She's a doll I bet her and Ellie Mae would be good friends. Welocme Home Granny!
Posted by: gayle | March 26, 2008 at 08:39 AM
What a sweetheart! Give that girl a piece of bread for me.
Posted by: Debbie | March 26, 2008 at 07:30 AM
I can only quote the other comments: Duchess Granny is incredibly cute and sweet-looking!
Wish I could send her a nice piece of Italian bread (there are lots of excellent bakeries here in Piedmont)...:-)
Please give her a biiiig hug for me.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | March 26, 2008 at 06:07 AM
She's just beautiful! Her sweet personality shows in her face for all to see!
Posted by: Amy | March 26, 2008 at 04:02 AM
Oh my, that's a first. Atta girl, you go for those carbs...
Posted by: Lalla and Sasha | March 26, 2008 at 03:34 AM
Well...I like a woman that speaks her own mind and when Ms. Duchess Granny wants her bread...she wants it now!
Posted by: Cora | March 25, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Welcome to the "bread" fold Granny!
Good to see Mr. Caterpillar is still alive and kicking!
Posted by: Craig from Great Falls | March 25, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Don't you mean "is that what's left of Mr Caterpillar?" lol
Go Granny Go!
Posted by: Andrew, NZ | March 25, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Duchess is SO cute! Really, quite the sweetest looking dog. Glad to hear she's settling in - quirks and all!
Is that Mr. Caterpillar in the background? :)
Posted by: Kristen D. | March 25, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Ah, animals! You see, we keep anticipating their reactions as though they were human, and we humans are so --- limited. Whereas they are so amazingly accepting and adaptable. So good for you, Duchess Granny. May your days be full of bread.
Posted by: Helen Rietz | March 25, 2008 at 10:25 PM
it is wonderful that Granny (Duchess)is adjusting so well - and it is even more fantastic that she will live out her days in a happy home with people and dogs who love her. thank you for taking her in.
and how funny about the bread obsession!! i suppose the nose does triple duty when the eyes and ears don't work...so cute.
Posted by: maggie | March 25, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Go "Granny" go...she is precious.
Posted by: Regis Dalton | March 25, 2008 at 09:21 PM