My Life with Ray, the blind wonder-mutt!
Eyes like the Milky Way galaxy
We all know that Boston Fetch is an inclusive business that encourages, respects, and supports people from all walks of life. Whatever you are, wherever you are in your journey, Boston Fetch has your back. But did you know that we apply the same philosophy to our dogs? Need an example? Meet Raymond St. James! A resident of Roslindale (he’s a Rozzident) and the Dog-in-Command of our Brookline office - or as I call him, My Dog.
Even happy dog’s need a break to cool down at Millennium Park in West Roxbury
Notice anything different about Ray? Sure, that brindle coat is next-level handsome, but did you realize he is completely blind? It’s true, take another gander at those peepers. You see it now, right? Ray is six years old now, and was born with a degenerative disease in his corneas that caused ulcers that robbed him of his sight earlier in life. Normally ulcers like his could be treatable, but being a street mutt, he likely had no one to take care of his medical needs and as such, now he’s blind.
Ray and his BFF Hemmingway playing their favorite game - Tug-O-Stick
Now, most people associate blindness in dogs with advanced age, which is more common than we believe. In fact 1 in 10 dogs contract diabetes later in life and 75% of those dogs go blind from the illness. This leads to our collective belief that blind dogs are old, scared, confused, helpless, and lack the ability to enjoy life anymore. Well, let me tell you, for Ray that couldn’t be further from the truth! He’s out with our pack everyday hiking up and down the streets and nature trails of Brookline, having the time of his life. He plays, socializes, and walks just like all his furry friends, and he enjoys it with as much confidence and enthusiasm as a sighted dog. Honestly, unless you knew it you’d never be able to tell he’s without his sight.
Watch out Brookline, here comes trouble!
But it’s not always smooth sailing. He is still without a vital sense, and while he can navigate himself through all sorts of situations, Ray maintains a healthy skepticism when being introduced to new animals and humans alike. Because we do not know much about Ray’s life from before we rescued him, it’s hard to know if his reactivity towards strangers is due in part to trauma from the past, or his inability to visually assess a new friend or foe. Likely, it’s a mixture of both, but regardless it’s left him feeling quite vulnerable when introduced to new dogs and people. Like all dogs, his fears can lead to aggression if not correctly handled. And that’s why, from time to time, you may see Ray sporting his signature tan colored muzzle (though we affectionately refer to it as his “Funny Mask.”)
Many assume a muzzle to mean that a dog is dangerous and outwardly aggressive, but that is a misconception worthy of its own blog post in the future… In Ray’s case using the muzzle makes introductions to dogs, cats, and humans alike a safe and comforting experience for him. This is accomplished in two ways.
We’ve trained Ray to know that wearing the muzzle is a sign he is going to meet a new, safe, and fun dog or human friend, which he loves. And…
His fear can get the best of him. While wearing the muzzle he is incapable of biting another dog. Once he understands that the other dog or person means him no harm he is quick to become friendly!
So if you ever see Ray strolling around the neighborhood, muzzle or not, please ask to say hi! With a safe introduction he’d love to meet you or your dog and add to his growing roster of best buds across Boston.
Ray just celebrated his 6th birthday with his newest pal, Austin of Brookline!
And if you have questions about your pet’s disabilities and the ways in which we can work together to get them out with the rest of our dogs, please drop us a line. As pet care professionals and dog lovers we want your dog, regardless of their physical or mental challenges, to be able to enjoy life to the fullest, just like Ray!
P.S. Ray HIGHLY recommends the Sesame Twist loaf at Fornax!