WoW , we had over 140 kids which was double from just a year ago.
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Just poppin' in to say a quick hi, will rep later. Among the great loot my kids scored were vouchers for Marlies tickets. That's a great idea to give those out.
someone reminded me when I said it took about 25 to 30 minutes thats when they did 1007 callers so guess it wont be as bad this time. Maybe 10 minutes or less hopefully .
Thank you heartgirl.
It let me enter this time....
Has anyone been able to enter more than 1 time?
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Blind Dog's Friend Gives Her New Leash in Life!
Blind Great Dane Lily and her guide dog Madison are melting hearts around the world with their enduring tale of friendship that has seen its share of hardship.
Lily was only 18 months old when veterinarians removed both her eyes as she was suffering from entropion, a condition that caused her eyelashes to roll inward and scratch painfully against her eyeballs.
As Lily recuperated in darkness — too timid to move — her best friend Madison slowly began encouraging her sightless friend to start moving. Madison would lead the way — a guide dog for a dog, steering her pal, alerting her to danger in her path.
In time, with Madison at her side Lily regained the confidence to play outside the house. Now the pair — Lily is six years old now; Madison is seven — is facing its next challenge: finding a new home.
Just this summer the two Great Danes were taken to live at The Dogs Trust shelter in Shrewsbury, U.K. They moved there in July after their owners accepted they couldn’t care for them anymore.
The shelter is looking for a new home for the two, and prospective owners are told up front they must take both dogs.
The Dogs Trust, has a “non-destruction policy,” says spokeswoman Jennifer Blaber.
The dogs must go to a new home together or they’ll stay here forever, she says. Over the weekend the two went to live with a potential new owner but Lily found the experience stressful, explains Blaber, so they are back at the shelter.
Centre manager Louise Cabell has told the press, “Madison is Lily’s guide dog. She is a support method to her. If they are out and about, for the majority of the time Madison will lead and Lily will walk nearly touching her so she knows where to go. It’s lovely to watch. Madison is very thoughtful and is always looking out for her.”
Cabell is convinced that Lily’s other senses have been heightened since her eyes were removed. Lily’s condition is treatable if caught early. The two dogs are very vocal, with Madison letting Lily know she is close by. Lily becomes anxious if she can’t sense Madison is present.
Dr. James Histed, an ophthalmologist at the Toronto Animal Eye Clinic, says dogs adapt to their new circumstances quickly when they lose complete vision. Their hearing, their sense of smell, even their tactile senses become more acute, he explains. “They can tell whether they are on carpet or on the kitchen floor. They learn their way around.”
Histed is not surprised Lily was able to rally so quickly – particularly with Madison at her side. “I’m not a behaviourist, but there’s some kind of a connection in dogs, an understanding, a bond.”
Sue Hawkins, a trainer with Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, says all guide dogs must have a “willingness at their core.” Whether it is agility training or search and rescue, they have to be willing — something Madison certainly has. “They are pack animals,” she says, suggesting that while their relationship may be inexplicable, the bond is powerful.
That’s why it’s so important that Madison and Lily stay together, says Cabell. “These are two lovely big girls who deserve to live out the rest of their lives together in comfort.”
This is very touching, I couldn't copy the picture of the two dogs but if you go to Torontostar.com and look at the article you will see three pics of the dogs....
Ecat - thank you so much for posting the article... I will for sure check it out in the Star. Every day Aussie Girl gets an extra hug, and I shuuder to think of what her ending almost was.... hoping to adopt a brother or sister for her soon...and have let the rescue people know..
Lunchtime - so I get another quick fix on the computer.....
very strange not having access at home - but you know I have to say, tis rather nice actually picking up the phone and calling people instead of emailing!!!!
A lovely day to be sure....wish I was on the outside rather than locked up in an office, ah well 1 more day til the weekend starts....
Cheers
A sign for your desk Chers
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Oh that is very exciting a brother or sister for Aussie Girl McSkier!!!!:top: Wow and another rescue to be given another change at happiness - ya hoo!!!!:-)
Yes, that article is very touching. That poor dog having his eyes removed - it must be soooooo scary for animals who cannot even have anything explained to them. But having this dog as a friend is wonderful for her - to separate them ever would be a crime!!!!!!
wow pretty quiet in here today