Last spring we noticed changes in our 9-year-old schnauzer-terrier mix, Sophie. The vet confirmed... our dog was blind. We heard the best thing to do for a blind dog is to get another dog, so at the end of the summer we did.
Lulu, a cockapoo, came into our lives the same way Sophie did, through the Humane Society. Sophie had been surrendered at 6 months old, but Lulu was a 9-year-old family dog (they think) who was lost and never claimed. We welcomed her into our home, but it took a little longer for Sophie to warm up to this friendly newcomer.
Sophie and Lulu by Janet Sobczyk, 2013ⓒ
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| Sophie enjoying the sunshine on our porch. |
Nine years in a 1-dog home
top dog for so long
Sophie was slowing down
going blind
darkness settled in
as black as her furry coat.
Lulu arrived so happy
greeting everyone
a smile from ear to ear
so perky
with a golden coat
a sunny disposition.
They sniffed
circled 'round
nose to nose
then walked away.
Lulu explored the whole house
tested the sofa
sampled the water bowl
ate a treat
smelled the dog bed
and seemed to like her new home.
Sophie tolerated her
followed her around
treated her like a guest
not happy
to have her toys touched
but just waiting for her to leave.
Lulu stayed
didn't leave
took up space
Sophie simmered.
After 3 days Sophie snapped
she had had enough
they were begging for treats
Sophie nipped
Lulu yipped and jumped
the girls were separated.
Lulu learned to show respect
followed Sophie's lead
let her be first to eat
and outside
and most important
to avoid her fav'rite spots.
Lulu stayed
and obeyed
and quite soon
they became pals.
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| Lulu enjoying her new home. |
