Meet Tennie

Status with People

Good with all people…super sweet and social. Can be jumpy in excitement and love to give kisses. This is how I show my joyful emotion. When I jump on you, just turn your back and reward me with lots of praise when four paws are on the floor.  Good with the children I’ve met, but they should be older, sturdy on their feet and understand that I’m blind. That means they need to respect my boundaries, take extra safety precautions to not let me out of the doors and never ever tease me!   

Status with Dogs

Great with other dogs, crave their companionship and enjoy playing with them.  Love the dog park, but only go to the SMALL DOG side since I’m blind. Good with both genders, all sizes and all ages. It is critical that you be my advocate and protect me around other dogs as I cannot defend myself. Other dogs can sense that I can’t see, and could take advantage of that. I know this, so I’m confident, but lean neutral/submissive with other dogs. I’m an only dog in my foster home, but I’d do great with another nice and gentle dog in the home to be my companion.

Status with Cats

Unknown, but likely fine as I can’t see them to chase them.

Favorite Toys

Love toys!  Like to play with my stuffy toys and bones. I love toys that I can hear and smell. I have a ball that makes noise that I enjoy. Find toys where I can use my ears and nose since I can’t see them. They even make special toys for blind dogs.

Energy Level

Moderate energy overall, with times of lower energy and bursts of puppy energy. I’m laid back and calm in general.

House Trained

Yes.  I will “whine” or nudge you to let you know I need to go out. 

***AGN recommends that you train my to Poochie Bells so I can provide clear communication when I need to go out.

Crate Trained

My crate seems to be a safe place for me and I go in and out voluntarily, but the door is typically open except when my foster family leaves for brief amounts of time. This keeps me physically safe. I have free roam in the house otherwise and do great. I sleep on my orthopedic dog bed in my foster parents room at night.

House Manners

Good manners in the house and not destructive other than if I can get the paper towels out of the garbage. They’re fun to tear up. Solution…make sure I can’t get to the garbage and this is a non-issue.

Leash Manners

Good on leash and love to sniff. Sniffing provides great mental stimulation, especially since my scent receptors are stronger with me being blind. When I smell or hear people or dogs approaching I get excited as I like to meet everyone. I should always have on a “Blind Dog” harness/cape so that others can identify from a distance that I’m blind.

Exercise

Two 20-30 minute walks a day.  I also love to play with my humans by chasing foster mom around (she makes noise so I can find her) and playing with my toys together. I also go to the dog park to see dog friends. Just remember to keep me on the small dog size of the dog park for my safety.

Car Rides

I enjoy riding in the car, but I do ride in the front seat with my head on my foster mom’s lap. Although not ideal, it makes me feel safe to be close. I’m excited to go because I know that car rides lead to the dog park, Petsmart, Home Depot, etc.

Basic Commands

Sit, Shake. Working on Down (Lie Down), Come and Off

Medical

My eyes have been evaluated by two vets, one being an Opthomologist at Veterinary Ophthalmology Services. It seems that someone tossed chemicals in my eyes and my blindness is permanent, but my eye health is stable. No therapy is needed.   

Things I need in my Forever Home

• Someone committed to meeting the needs of a blind dog. This includes:
  • A home that is safe, clean of floor clutter, and easy to navigate.
  • Furniture that is not rearranged as a blind dog learns where the furniture is located.
  • Don’t move my food and water!!!
  • If I get confused with navigation, take me to my food/water as this will be a landmark to re-orient me.
  • Block off stairs unless you are with me as I could fall down them.
  • A “safe zone” – My crate with my comfy crate bed is my safe place.
  • Consistent routine for feeding, playing, walking, etc.
  • Toys that make noise or have scent – google blind dog toys for lots of options.
  • Location cues such as unique rugs.
  • “Blind” vest when outside the home for public awareness.
  • Possibly a Bind Dog Halo if needed – I have not needed this so far.
• Someone that likes to engage in daily walks for me to sniff and explore – I love my walks and look forward to them daily.
• A calm household as I match the energy of the humans in the home. Too much stimulation might be overwhelming for me.
• Someone who doesn’t work or works from home. I’m used to my family being home with me and this helps me feel safe and secure as I navigate my surroundings.
• I’d prefer a nice and calm dog friend as I love companionship and enjoy playing with other dogs. A sighted dog could serve as a “guide” for me.
• I could also be an only dog as long as you are my best friend and with me most of the time. If an only dog, I’d need socialization with dog friends multiple times per week.