Blind Dog Stories: Tales of Triumph, Humor and Heroism

Blind Dog Stories is a heartwarming collection of short stories for the dog-lover. Spawned from her previous work with blind dogs, Caroline Levin enlightens and entertains the reader with two dozen amazing dog stories. This, Levin’s second book, demonstrates that blind dogs can lead happy, useful lives and celebrates the beauty of the human-canine bond.

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CONTENTS:

Chapter 1
Blind Enthusiasm:
Barely surviving birth, a Siberian Husky becomes the fearless leader of a dog-sled team.

Chapter 2
To Look in the Face of Danger:
The extraordinary account of a boy, his dog, and their near-deadly encounter with a rattlesnake.

Chapter 3
A Different Point of View:
With the innocence of youth comes honesty and acceptance—how children react to blind dogs.

Chapter 4
Blind Devotion:
The touching story of one owner’s efforts to provide her dog with the best things in life.

Chapter 5
Look Before You Leap:
When a blind Labrador pulls a girl from the Pacific Ocean, it’s no ordinary day at the beach.

Chapter 6
Blind Faith:
It took a difficult hike, on a steep woodland trail to summon up the wondrous skills of a blind Cocker Spaniel.

Chapter 7
Set Your Sights High:
Despite his puppy-mill beginnings, a Golden Retriever demonstrates the true nature of the human-canine bond.

Chapter 8
In Plain Sight:
Given a second chance at life, a black Lab repays his owner with love and laughter.

Chapter 9
Looking on the Bright Side:
With time, dog owners see the humor in their situations and share stories that are both charming and healing.

Chapter 10
Love at First Sight:
Two worlds meet when a blind Border Collie puppy becomes the official mascot for the Braille Institute of Orange County, California.

Chapter 11
A Light at the End of the Tunnel:
Dealing with grief…when dogs convince their owners that everything will be all right.

Chapter 12
A Sight for Sore Eyes:
Adjustment was a long journey for one blind Shih Tzu and her family, illustrating that bravery comes in many forms.

Chapter 13
Perfect Vision:
After a lifetime of hearing the phrase “handicapped”, a Poodle owner offers her insight and understanding.

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Companion books and films:

Living With Blind Dogs

New Skills for Blind Dogs

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:

When I wrote my first book, I was privileged to meet many blind dogs and their owners. These people proudly told me tales of their dogs deeds …from day-to-day success stories and adventures to acts of true heroism.

I learned two particular points from these conversations. First, I realized that some people react to canine blindness with plans to euthanize or abandon their dogs. I must admit, I did not realize the prevalence of this reaction. These dog owners mistakenly believe that a blind dog’s life must be a miserable existence or that training them would be an insurmountable task. This is untrue and I wanted to publicize it. Secondly, I learned that the owners of newly blinded dogs took great comfort in hearing the success stories of others … people who had already conquered their fears and grief and who’s dogs were living normal and happy lives. I’ve written this book, “Blind Dog Stories”, to address these points – to illustrate that blind dogs do lead full lives, and to offer newly blinded-dog owners comfort.

EXCERPT:

From Chapter 8 – In Plain Sight

A volunteer from Labrador Retriever Rescue called Kathy to say that they were holding a black Lab at the local animal shelter. She went on to say that he had been found near-by, at the intersection of 39th Street and Oak. What she really should have said was that he was found in the intersection.

The dog was lying in the middle of the pavement with his legs outstretched and his head buried beneath his paws. It was as though life had just become too difficult for this gentle spirit, and he had thrown in the proverbial towel. The only reason anyone had even helped this poor creature was that he was causing a traffic problem.

Kathy had been involved with Labrador rescue work for many years. Black Labrador males were her personal favorite. And while she fully expected that she would someday adopt a special needs dog, she didn’t realize the time was at hand.

She drove to the animal shelter unsure of what she would see. Some of these dogs were in pretty bad shape when they came in. This one was no exception. He was emaciated and disoriented. He had whipworms, kennel cough, ticks, and a bad ear infection. He was blind from PRA and tested positive for heartworms, a life-threatening condition.

“In addition to all his problems, though, there was a special sweetness about him,” remarks Kathy. “I was afraid to give my heart to this little guy who might not live… but I did.”

She named him ‘ Keller’ after Helen Keller. Kathy continues, “Once you name something, it belongs to you. That’s how Keller became mine.”

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REVIEWS:

This is one of those jewels you don’t want to place down until you’ve reached the final page. Levin was inspired by many cases of owner dedication and canine fortitude and details those beautifully in this upbeat book that accents heroism, attitude and inspiration.

– Ranny Green, Seattle Times

While Living With Blind Dogs is a wealth of information and support for owners of blind dogs, Levin’s second book Blind Dog Stories offers something for all dog fanciers…well-written, uplifting and inspirational. I could have gone on reading these great dog stories forever!

– Sandra Meuller, The Living Chow Chow

Here’s a book that will tug at even the most stoic of heartstrings. Blind Dog Stories relates the happy, sometimes even euphoric tales of blind dogs and their owners…tales of heroism, dedication and love. For anyone who is considering euthanizing a blind dog, read this book. It will give you hope. And it demonstrates that a dog’s quality of life does not necessarily depend on perfect vision.

– The Oregonian

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