I mentioned in the previous post how many of the dogs in the front yard have taken to "denning" under the ramps. Blind Dusty, on the other hand, picked a totally different spot for his den -- the base of the big fir at the other end of the front yard. He loves this spot and hangs out there all day long ... literally. After we let him out in the morning and he drinks, attends to his business, and stops to smell the roses along the way, he heads to this spot under the tree. He will stay there the entire day until we call him back to the house late in the evening.
Rooting around in the dirt does a number on his white coat, of course, and some evenings when he comes back inside he looks like the canine equivalent of a coal miner. I haven't seen him do this yet, but given how covered he is in dirt some days, he must like to roll around upside down in his den too.
One thing I'd like to get on video one day is his evening routine, so people can see how a blind dog uses his "mental map" to navigate. We'll get everyone else inside, and then I'll go out on the ramp and call for Dusty. He always has to be the last one in, so he's waiting for me to do this -- it's like his curtain call. His spot at the base of the tree is about 30 yards (27 m) away from the front door. He'll climb out of his den, walk out to the grass, lift a leg, then head right for the ramp. Dusty is usually within a foot of either side of the ramp by the time he gets there, if he doesn't make it straight in on the first try; if he's off-course, he knows it instantly and quickly readjusts to get on the ramp and head towards the door. I'll hold the door open for him and he bolts through, then follows me by voice command down the hallway, into the dog room, and right into his crate. Elapsed time is under a minute. I never touch him or do any guiding other than with voice.
Of course, it would be nice if he'd shower every evening before coming in, but then again I can't ask for everything.
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Blog readers keep asking how the animals are adjusting. I thought these blog posts would show how they're adjusting -- in a word, just fine! They're all settled in, developing new routines, and finding their niches. I haven't posted anything on the cats because we have been building a cat room on the second floor of the barn and they've been in temporary quarters here. The room should be finished by next week, we hope. The horses are doing great and I will get a photo of them up in the next week or so.
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What a great picture, made me smile to see Dusty all curled up like that in his den. What a life!
Posted by: Ann | August 20, 2010 at 02:12 AM
That's an especially lovely picture of Dusty, and I was glad to see it as I was just thinking about him. Everybody seems to be at home already. reflecting the superior care you and Alayne give them. Thank you for all your photos and stories, Steve. All best wishes to you, Alayne and the animals of RDR in your new home.
Posted by: Moon Rani | August 19, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Thank You Steve! I enjoy each of your blog entries,through your eyes and words we all become a part of RDR!!
Posted by: Doe George | August 18, 2010 at 09:34 PM
Thank you for the lovely picture and description of Dusty's daily routine. I felt as though I was watching him.
Perhaps because there are so many RDR critters moved together, they have adjusted better than ones that are "onlies".
Thanks again for the updates. I truly enjoy them.
Posted by: Ev | August 18, 2010 at 09:13 PM
What a wonderful picture!!! The husky we take care of that is colored like Dusty loves to lay in the dirt--it doesn't do wonders for his coat either! Yes, it is obvious the animals are all adjusting well. I can't wait to see the cat's new digs!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | August 18, 2010 at 07:44 PM
Thanks for sharing this. Our dog went blind and it is amazing how well thier other senses compensate. This was a nice reminder for me.
Posted by: Boiling Springs Homes | August 18, 2010 at 06:24 PM
Sounds like you all have found your "niche"
Thank you for all you and Alayne do!!
Posted by: Maree In NZ | August 18, 2010 at 03:50 PM
By the way, beautiful photo. You have a great eye for composition, color, light and setting. The afternoon light on Dusty is right on and highlights exactly what your story is telling. Nice job.
Posted by: Anne in Florida | August 18, 2010 at 02:05 PM
What a beautiful picture of Dusty & his den, would love to see a video of him in action, thank you for this update!
Posted by: Sasha in MN | August 18, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Great picture of Dusty. Glad he has "his spot" in the yard. When you mentioned how Dusty uses his "mental map" to navigate, I immediately thought of Levi. If you watch him cruise around the backyard, or head for the back stairs to come back inside, you would never know he was blind!! When we hike Mt. Helena and he is off leash, people are amazed when they found out he is blind. Levi is one confident dog and I am blessed to have him and Timmy in my life. Thanks again you two for all you do. I miss you terribly!!
Posted by: Laura, Levi & Timmy | August 18, 2010 at 12:48 PM
Wonderful story and photo :)
Posted by: Angela | August 18, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Hi Steve and Alyane,
Thanks for the updates! When we moved Parker had a horrible time adjusting. So, I couldn't imagine what it was like for all the RDR fur kids to travel across country, find themselves at a new place, and not to have mom there. Glad to know they are as resilient as they appear-in the photos- to be. :)
Posted by: Randi | August 18, 2010 at 10:44 AM
What a beautiful pic & story. It would be great to capture on film, but you've described it beautifully. I'd say that Dusty has found his "niche".
Big hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | August 18, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Oh, and as to Dusty not showering b4 he comes inside....Silly Steve, If he did you wouldn't know who he was if he came in all clean, shiny and not DUSTY.
Posted by: Anne in Florida | August 18, 2010 at 09:24 AM
Steve, you have done a wonderful job not only showing how everyone is adjusting but also glimpses of all the mountains of work this move produced. I think all of us have our favorites (a few of mine are Cinder, Hawk, Spinner, Daisy & of course, Miss Maragret etc...) and we so badly want to see them individually. You cant put them all on one post but we each want to see our favorites. Also I, & probably others too, would love to see more of the 'lay of the land'. We get glimpses of your beautiful new home and it does look wonderful! Keep up the good work. You have so much to do and yet you are so good to us to share the days stories with us, Thank you.
Posted by: Anne in Florida | August 18, 2010 at 09:19 AM
I love the photo of Dusty's den. What a perfect spot! The description of him navigating his new surroundings is much appreciated. These animals are amazing and I'm so glad to see they are settling in so well. Why wouldn't they?
Yes, please, more photos. Your new place is so beautiful. I can't be the only one who is jealous! ;)
Posted by: Lynne Parker | August 18, 2010 at 08:01 AM
Ahhh, what a wonderful life. Dusty, I think your name is very suited for you giving how you remind Steve of a coal miner when you return home every evening! I would love to see the evening routine. I'm so glad to hear all the animals are adjusting well. I can't wait to see the new cat house!!!
Posted by: Colleen & In Memory of Sweet Kitty Erin | August 17, 2010 at 11:28 PM