Elvis

We have a dog named Elvis.  Elvis is a 10 year old West-highland Terrier.  Elvis does what all Terriers do - he chases squirrels, barks at neighborhood dogs, and loves to curl up on the couch next to you during a ball game.

For the past few weeks, Elvis has been acting out-of-sorts.  Nothing big, just not himself.  He was battling a cough and some eye drainage but we thought it was just allergies.  We also were doing some remodeling at the house so things were a little disruptive.  Elvis doesn't like change so we figured he was upset that his cheese was being moved.

Last weekend, the strangest thing happened.  Elvis went to jump onto my lap while I was sitting on the patio and he missed.  He didn't just miss my lap, he missed the whole damn chair.  Donna and I just looked at each other.  "This is not good" I thought.

The next day, Donna noticed that Elvis suddenly couldn't maneuver the steps to the patio - he stumbled and fell trying to go down.  Not sure what to do, she made a quick call to our Vet and they were soon on their way.  When she explained what had been going on, the Vet did a quick eye exam and stated that it appeared that Elvis had gone blind.  Such a shock as you might imagine.

We are visiting a Veterinarian Eye Specialist this week (didn't know there was such a person) to get a full diagnosis but I'm guessing the prognosis is not good.

In the mean-time, Elvis has been trying to adjust to his home and backyard sightless.  It's been a trial of bumps and stumbles.  He's been a trooper but it's heart-breaking for me to watch.  I want to help him but know he needs to find his own way with his sense of smell and hearing as he will soon map out his surroundings.

I'll keep you posted on his progress as well as ours.  Dogs are great gifts to their people-keepers and Elvis has earned his place in our home - let's hope Elvis keeps wagging his tail and continues to be the Terrier he is.