Blind dog plays fetch and captures owners' hearts

Dear Kentucky Humane Society, 

Milton was a member of the Lonely Hearts Club a couple of years ago. He is a black and tan Pekingese who was about four years old when I adopted him from the St. Matthews Feeders Supply adoption site.

I fell in love with Milton the first time we met. He was this little-bitty thing in one of the great big rooms all by himself. He just wouldn't stop barking at me when I walked up to say hello, but something about his bark told me it wasn't mean or aggressive. He was scared of something.

When I squatted down to talk to him, he stopped barking and just kept looking my way with the sweetest expression. It was then that I noticed his eyes looked sore. When I stood back up to read the sign with his name, I understood: Milton is blind.

Knowing this just made me love him even more! My husband had some reservations. He kept saying things like, "But you can't play fetch with a blind dog." I disagreed and told him that "fetch" would just be different. The adoptions counselor told me that Milton was so special that only the manager of the site could decide if I was worthy of his adoption, and she wouldn't be in until the next day. So, I took the next day off from work and arrived at the store when they opened. I underwent an interview like none other! But finally the manager was convinced. She said I would do great and helped me buy all the right things to take care of Milton.

In the two years since, Milton has become my little buddy. He loves my step-children, and he can't wait to go outside in the mornings and afternoons. He's mapped out every piece of furniture in the house. He's so smart! You think he's going to run into something, but then he knows it's there and just navigates around it. He uses smells and the corners of area rugs against the hardwood floors to know where he is walking. I read that blind dogs really enjoy doggy massages because it helps them with their sensory input--and boy is this true! Milton just rolls over and enjoys every massage he can get. He especially likes his little paws and ears rubbed.

And you know what? My husband and Milton play fetch every night. Milton has a little football that squeaks just long enough to make a sound through the air when you toss it. It might take him a little longer to find it after it lands, but we're cheering him on while he's looking. Then he brings it back ready to play more!

Please, if anyone falls in love with a Lonely Hearts Club member but is worried about adopting because of the animal's special needs, I would be so happy to talk to them about my experience. Truly, Milton's love transcends his disability. In fact, I would argue he's more "abled" than not. Again, thank you for all you have done for Milton and precious special dogs like him. I can't thank you enough.

Sincerely,
Corissa Phillips