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Likes: Butt Rubs, Being with his Daddy, Walks to the Lake,Treats and Toys
Pet-Peeves: Not being able to see the things he loves but he doesn't really show that
Favorite Toy: Soft toys that honk, like ducks and pheasants
Favorite Food: His first piece of Prime Rib we gave him when he got in our car at the Rescue Group.
Favorite Walk: Down to the lake
Best Tricks: Walking down to the lake on a slack leash
Arrival Story: ADOPT 09 CONTEST
My wife and I had to send our last Doberman on his journey to the Rainbow Bridge, August of 2006 and we weren't going to get another dog. Right after Christmas, someone sent me e-mail with the URL of a site they said I needed to check out and it was a Doberman Rescue Group and the story of Denzel, now Takoda ( Sioux for Friend to All ).
It seems a Puppy Mill had five Dobermans, Takoda was one of them, and the people who had the store decided, mid-November, they were no longer of use and were going to turn them in to a Kill Shelter. I guess anything would have been better then having to spend your life outdoors,in all kind of weather, in a cage that you could barely turn around in, with little food, no Vet care and no human interaction. Fortunately for those five dogs, a wonderful lady at a Doberman Rescue group heard about them and promptly took all five.
All of them were way underweight, Takoda was only 55 pounds, they all had heart worms and internal parasites but all were welcomed with open arms. They took them to the Vet, had everything taken care of and the other four were adopted before Christmas. Takoda, wasn't that fortunate and things really didn't look good for him to find that Furever home that all dogs deserve. You see, sometime in that hellish existence he went blind. Two detached retinas, most likely from severe head trauma, made the world black for him but he also has another problem, Diabetes Insipidus. That is a rare form of Diabetes, which can also be caused by head trauma, and the medicine, needed to keep it under control, is quite expensive. Blind and Diabetes Insipidus, three years in a Puppy Mill, no human interaction, confined to a cage so small, they all could hardly walk when rescued, skinny, shy and scared: what would be next for that poor dog?
My wife and I checked that page for about a week, hoping, praying he found a home but things sure didn't look good for the poor guy. It was strange but from the moment I saw him I just had the feeling that Thor, our last Doberman, brought us to that site. That feeling grew too strong and one night, looking at his page like every other night for the past week, I looked at my wife and told her " Honey, we just got another Dobe." Her reply, " Call them and tell them we'll be down to pick him up." I called the next day, filled out the adoption form and that Saturday we were on our way to NC to get Takoda.
When we first saw him, it was evident his time at the Rescue Group had not changed him very much: he was still extremely shy and skittish but had put on some weight. It took about 45 minutes for us to get close to him and we just let him smell us and hear our voices. Then his Rescue Angel took us to see the inside kennels and showed us around. Finally she asked us: "What do you think?" I asked her "About what?" She said Denzel ( now Takoda ).
It was clear that some other folks had looked at him but, for some reason, adopted another dog. When I told her we were there to take him home with us, the look in her eyes said it all. Finally, someone was going to give a dog that truly deserved a new life, the chance to live it.
We got him in our van, his bed was already in it and the Rescue Group gave us his toys and blanket, and headed back home to VA. With a five hour drive ahead of us, it meant a lot of time to think about what we were getting into. What was going to happen when we bring this blind, untrained, shy, skittish Doberman into our house. How do we show him around the house? What about the kids, worse, the grandkids? What will he be like around them? Suddenly, it seemed we had a lot to worry about.
WRONG. We get home, walk Takoda around the property and then take him into the house. I take his collar off and he's on his own. I just thought since he was blind for a while, he just might know how to get around better then I could show him. Did he? He learned the house in all of two minutes. He knew where his food and water was, where his bed was and, for now, that's all he needed to know. That and where the front door was.
I slept on the floor with him for the first four nights, I wanted to get him out as soon as he stirred and also thought we would bond quicker that way, and the second night was the first major step. I awoke to find his head on my arm and from then on, he wouldn't spook when you came to him. One problem he did have, most likely from being hit about the head, if you put your face in front of his, he would turn and softly growl. Not a warning growl, a Please don't do that type of growl. Nothing I was worried about but surely something to worry about when you have grandchildren who would be right in his face when standing.
From the second day on, it became very evident we weren't teaching Takoda-he was teaching us. He learned our property and each and every way we walked down to the lake. Be it by the paths through the woods or down the road, he could take you there and you just followed him. He was no longer shy and skittish but became an enthusiastic greeter to all he met, another dog or person. All he wanted was a pat on the head, or a butt rub, and he was content.
After about two months, it was time for our first trip to see the kids and grandkids. Now was the time for his first real test. A dog who never saw children, a dog who was beaten about the head and face, now going to have those children's faces, right in front of his. I wasn't scared of what might happen, I just had a feeling there was nothing to worry about. Something about the way, and how fast, Takoda had changed eliminated any fear.
He greeted everyone and the kids, especially our Grandson Brian who was just starting to walk, could do anything they wanted to him. He knew this was family and he did all he could to make himself a part of it. From that day on, the changes have been spectacular.
I started training him the basic commands, sit, down, stay and come and realized I needed to do this a lot differently since he surely couldn't see hand signals. It became a combination of voice and touch, new for both of us, and I was looking for a long road ahead. How long? It turned into one day. This blind Doberman was sitting, staying and coming on command and would drop down as soon as you told him to. Thinking about it, he never showed any food aggression and you could take his bowl away from him the first day. A dog that was starved. Correct him when he does something wrong and he doesn't cower or run, he comes to you, head down, waiting to be forgiven. Best of all, he doesn't do it again.
He was house broken in a few days, bonded in a few days, learned his basic commands in a day and, all in all, is definitely the easiest dog I have ever trained. He doesn't let his blindness ( we don't consider it a handicap ) get in the way of anything and will try to do just about anything on his own, you just have to let him.
I really believe he does what he does to please me and it's his way of showing his gratitude for adopting him. When Carol, the woman who runs the Rescue group, heard and saw how much he has changed, she made a comment that is so true. " Ron, she said, that dog would do anything in the world for you."
Sort of makes you wonder just how large a dogs heart and soul really is. Make that a Rescued and adopted dog's heart and soul. Used and abused, starved, isolated, beaten, left to die. Rescued and adopted, at least the lucky ones are, then a new life begins. Their heart and soul opens and all that love and devotion flows out, to be shared with their new family. A lifetime of love and devotion, no matter how long or short. We are all on this earth for a short time, why not make that time as wonderful as possible. How? Share it with another of the Creators creatures, especially one who truly deserves it.
When we first got Takoda, some folks would asks us " Why on earth would you adopt a blind dog?" I use to just look at them with a disgusted look and say " Because I knew you wouldn't." Now I tell everyone, " My blind dog has thought me love and devotion, how to overcome adversity, to look first and act second, to see things in a new way, patience and understanding and so much more. What has your dog thought you? "
It's been a little over two years since we brought that once shy, skittish, blind Doberman home and yes, we've had our trials and tribulations but there was nothing that couldn't be resolved. I believe the main reason why, lies right along side me right now. His name is Takoda and he is an Adopted Rescue. He is also a Doberman with the heart of a lion and the soul of a lamb. A dog, used and abused, who shows just how much we humans have to learn. Adopt one, you'll see what I mean.
Bio: We found out shortly after we adopted Takoda that, although he couldn't see objects, he could see a slight difference in light with his right eye. The retina was hanging but still allowed some light to enter. Over the past three months, the retina has torn loose and his world is totally black. Does it matter? Not to him. He's his old self and still gets around fine. He has earned his CGC and we are working, trying to find a therapy dog trainer that is willing to give him a chance. He doesn't believe he is handicapped, I only hope we can find someone who believes that also.
Forums Motto: Takoda - Blind but doesn't know it
The Groups I'm In: ♥ Saving Animals' Lives ♥, ♥All Fur Fun♥, Deutsche Hunde Living Room, Doberman Home, Dogster Marketplace, Dyson Dogster/Catster, GOT DOBES?, Meatball POTP Group, Pets With Disabilities, Round up Rowdy's Helpers, Stop This Nonsence!!, Zealie Lotto, ~Big and Bold Breeds~
The Last Forum I Posted In: The Mitey Mitey Buh-ens Party!
Tomorrow, January 27, is the most special day in the whole wide world for me. That's when Mommy and Daddy adopted me and they also made it my birthday. I'll be 6 years old and I am really luvin life now.
It wasn't that way for my first three years, I was in the Puppy Mill then, but these past three years have made up for that. Daddy said he was going to have Mommy pick up a Prime Rib for dinner tomorrow so I can have some. That was the first treat they ever gave me and I luved it.
Did I tell you I now take my walkies to the lake off leash. That's right, Daddy takes my leash off and this blind dog walks, and runs, down to the lake all by himself. I goes where I wants to, okay, Daddy does call me back once in a while, and nobody would ever think I am blind. I love it and Daddy says it really boosts my confidence.
Anyway, it's been three years since Mommy and Daddy adopted me and I have loved every minute of it. Mommy and Daddy have too. I'm part of a family now, lots of kids, grandkids and even great grandkids, and they all knows how much I luvs them.
Dixie and Burt, I wants to thank you for my stuffy toy, can you tell I luvs it. Lots of doggies de-stuff them but I don't. I just shake them backs and forth until I ends up putting a hole in them but I don't de-stuff them. The stuffing starts to come out when I shake them with the hole in it but Daddy gets the needle and thread and sews it up.
Then I gets it and shakes it again until another hole is in it. Daddy gets it again and sews it up. Then I gets it back and shake the living daylights out of it again and guess what? Yep, nother hole. Daddy sews it again ( Daddy is really getting good at sewing ) and then I get is back. Guess what? Dixie and Burt- Daddy Speaking, thanks a lot for this stuffy toy you got Takoda, I'll be sending it your way when the holes need sewing. BOL This was a Christmas present from them but Daddy kept it to give me for my birthday.
You know what I would really luv for my birthday, I'd give anything for it, I'd luv for all the doggies in shelters and rescues to find a furever home like mine. Wouldn't that be the greatest present in the whole wide world. Heck, it would be the greatest present in the universe. If only that would happen.
If you want to help some other Dobermans like me, Daddy carves egg shells and he is raffling one off to benefit the Rescue Group who saved me. It's a beautiful carved and sculpted ostrich egg and if you want to check it out and take a chance on it, you can see it and get all the information at his page on Shutterfly http://theeggmanshomestead.shutterfly.com Helping them would be a great present for me. The drawing for this egg is February 1 but Daddy is going to auction an egg every month. Keep checking his page for the new one too.
Yesterday was the first really big snowstorm I was ever in, since I was adopted, and Mommy and Daddy were a little worried about how I would react; blind dog, who relies on his nose to get around, now not being able to smell his old haunts. Well, they didn't have anything at all to worry about, I hads me a blast.
Daddy cleared a path for me to get over to the wood line ( where the snow wasn't so deep ) but I kept wandering off it and into the deeper snow. Daddy had me on the road back to the neighbors house, they had driven their truck down it so the snow was packed a little, and took my leash off to see what I would do. Well, I did what any fun loving doggie would do, I went crazy. Watch out, blind dog playing.
Daddy had a woman tell him, right after Mommy and Daddy adopted me, that the best thing they could do was Put Me Down. Let me tell you, oops better not, anyway Daddy let her know, in no uncertain words, that was something they would never do. That woman said I would never have any fun or enjoy life. Well, you look at my new main picture, Does that look like I'm not having fun? Does that look like I'm enjoying myself. WHEEEEEEEEEE. Playing in the snow is Funnnnnnnnnn. Especially with Daddy and you see I'm off my leash.
Blind, not me. Maybe I can't see the way you do but I see a better way. With my Heart. Life is short, Live it to the fullest.
A couple of Saturdays ago, October 3, Daddy, Mommy and me took a trip to NC for my Rescue Roundup. That's a reunion for all the Dobies that the Rescue Group that saved me, Doberman Rescue of the Triad, has every year and it was lots of fun. Daddy posted some pictures of me there and a really special one ( actually 2 ) of my new friend Cotton.
Cotton is a Special Needs doggie, just like I was, and it really didn't look good for the pretty boy. See, he's an Albino Doberman and they usually have lots of health problems but Cotton had lots and lots of them. He has some severe bleeding problems, they couldn't get the bleeding stopped when they micro-chipped him, and he needed lots of tests to see exactly what could be done. Lots of tests meant lots of money.
Anyway, the Rescue Group put the plea out and a lot of skins and furs responded but finding someone willing to offer him a furever home would be hard. I was really praying for someone like my Mommy and Daddy to see his page and read his story and wanted him to find a home like mine. I got the biggest surprise when we got to the Roundup and Daddy said " There's Cotton."
We went to see Carol first, the owner of the Rescue Group and my Rescue Angel, and she told us that Cotton had just found his Furever Home a week ago. Now isn't that GREAT. I'm still so happy for him and wish him all the best. There's a couple of pictures of him on my page.
The Roundup was so much fun and I luvs dunkin for hot dogs. That's like Bobbin for Apples, the humans do that at Halloween parties, but we have pieces of hot dogs in a big bowl filled with water. Those hot doggies don't float so you needs to put your nose all the way to the bottom of the bowl to get them. I do that really good and there's a picture of me, water running off my nose, on my page.
There was about 50 Dobies at the reunion and me and Daddy had to go out in the field and shows them how a blind Dobie plays. They couldn't believe how I jump and spin and always know where Daddy is. They also couldn't believe Daddy still had his arms when we got done, they just knew I had to have cut him somewhere. Guess what, not a mark. I knows how to play and even though it looks like we're playing rough, I'm really very gentle.
We really had lots and lots of fun, it was a gorgeous day and I hated to leave. Good food, good people and lots of really nice Dobies always makes for a really good time. Lots of other people, who were at the park, just couldn't believe how well behaved all of us Dobies were. Maybe it was because we all are so happy to be in our Furever homes but there was only one little growling incident, between two dogs.
All in all, it was a wonderful, fabulous day and I can't wait until next year. I had to share this with everyone and hope you all can have as much fun as I did there. The day was made a lot more special learning that Cotton found his Furever Home. He still has a long way to go, health wise, and I really would appreciate it if you could say a little prayer for him. Thanks all.
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