Tuesday through Sunday, Tyson is a blind Boxer who lives in a Safe Haven 45 minutes away from our house, but not on Mondays. On Mondays, Tyson is a member of our family—if only in part. That one day a week is the only day my husband and I have together and we have chosen to spend every one with him for the last 7 months minus two sick days and one snow day.
When I first met Tyson, I was jealous. His caregiver opened the gate to his big pen, let my husband and me in, but it wasn’t me with whom Tyson was affectionate—it was my husband. I think my heart broke a little just then because before Ted and I met Tyson, I had researched blind dogs and Boxers,trying to see if we could be good caregivers for him that I was already attached. I knew we would be able to handle his disability even if there was a learning curve. Then, one look at his big brown eyes, I was in.
We all went for a walk with Tyson that first day. The path was the typical Northwestern style wooded path filled with roots and uneven ground. Ted was behind holding Tyson's leash and I walked up front snapping my fingers and patting my leg to let Tyson know where I was. He stayed close, his wet nose on the back of my leg made me happy. He was listening and following my sounds. It was exciting and challenging, and made me think it would be easier than I thought to take care of a blind dog.
But Tyson's disability seems to affect his "appreciation" of other critters--or can we say, his blindness seems to infringe on our ability to easily thwart any aggression/fear with other critters. With dogs, he becomes aggressive when they get near his face without warning him about it. But and still, dogs being in the same vicinity really don't bother him. Frankly, if I were blind, being run over for feeding or play time would irritate me, too. We surmise something must have happened to him when he was lost to have made him into a reactive dog toward other animals. Perhaps it was his need for food, or perhaps it was a fear of being blind, lost as well as hungry. As such, Tyson dislikes or fears most any other animal (non-canine), which is why Tyson lives where he does for 6 days a week. We have 3 cats and can't risk him harming them. Yet, we are in love with him.
So, why am I fighting for a dog that may never be mine? Tyson was found emaciated and nearly dead. No one knows what put him in that predicament or how long he was there, but he has the sweetest disposition towards humans, and is one of the smartest dogs I have ever met. When Tyson looks at me so happily, and then jumps into my arms for a hug, I'm a pushover for him. Monday mornings, I click his leash on and he sits proudly and upright toward me, waiting as patiently as he possibly can. Then, I ask him if he wants to go for a walk, and he jumps out of control with joy, pulling me toward our truck and begs to get inside.
Inside the truck, we have a bed for him and enough treats to spoil him. I long for those times when I get to pet and love on him. Tyson's ears are like silk, his jowls warm and squishy. Tyson isn't a licker, instead he nuzzles warm, breathy kisses. He sits with his head near mine for as long as he can stand and then he goes down with a release and sigh like he can finally rest and be calm. I love hearing him breathe that big sigh of relief and I hold his paw until I know he's gone out for a good nap.
When we are with Tyson, we feel parental pride. Once, Ted and I had stopped in Leavenworth at a Beer n Brat joint. The whole place stared at us, well, at Tyson really. A table of older men and women repeatedly gawked in awe. We caught words like, “beautiful, wow [and] amazing,” a couple that had been enamored with each other, stopped to become enamored with Tyson, and the best was a grown man, who had turned into mush pot as he cooed over Tyson’s scrunchy Boxer nose, “oohh what quewt wittle nosy wosy you have, ahhh...what a sweet wittle guy…yes you are… (Insert unintelligible words.)” This, as the guy rubbed Tyson’s nose and ears. Oh, and Tyson soaked it all up, of course.
Tyson loves to be bathed and tries to drink the bath water. It must be the touch, because he behaves so well--even when you trim his nails. He looooves a good muscle massage. Repeat, Tyson looooves a good muscle massage. He will roll for a belly rub, and doesn't realize he's not a lap dog. Tyson doesn't care about his size, why would I? To be part of our life, to be part of a family is so relaxing for him—he gains comfort and pride from simply being near us. When hot, his jowls puff up like an older tractor’s smoke stack—it's comedy. When sad, he'll snuggle closer. When I fall asleep next to him, he'll fall asleep with his head atop me, or at the very least, reach out a paw to touch me. Tyson is uncommonly affectionate and so enamored with life that it would be like the feeling you or I get when taking off our shoes to feel the first grass of springtime…only every breath is like that for him. Tyson has taught me how to enjoy life more.
Frankly, it’s hard to understand how a dog being blind, can get around so easily. But as we have found, Tyson’s other senses are so heightened—remarkably so—that it is fairly easy for any stranger to assume he has vision. Tyson is just that capable. As such, being on top of other dog owners is a must. Other dog parents just think it is okay to allow their dogs to run amok without direction—believing they are simply experiencing life and nature, which is true, but for a blind dog like Tyson, that can be intimidating. We just have to be like a protective parent with him, and he loves us for our care and concern. That being said, stairs are still difficult, he does get tangled in table legs, and he needs a guide in new places. In fact, we are more uneasy than he is.
Tyson is remarkably smart. Still, as we walk him, we must have the presence of mind to be Tyson’s eyes. He doesn't need coddling, he's just blind. He must be kept close around cars—they are loud and scary. Tyson must always be kept to the inside on a sidewalk and have a confirmation of our presence with him when loud noises travel past. Tyson's a quick learner. He even knows that when doors open, you generally have to step up. He loves truck rides, and can manage the getting-in and getting-out very easily after some direction from you. Sounds help, smells help. He can learn the layout of any home or yard quickly, just help him with the tough spots. He's not afraid to run if you let him off-leash, so we don't get in a comfort zone just because he's blind, he's a curious guy.
That being said, Tyson doesn't mind other dogs. He's been to Everett beach with dogs aplenty, to varying parks and lakes around the area, and even on walks around our neighborhood, though we have refrained contact with those other dogs. If he feels that there will be a problem, Tyson lets you know, but if he is generally okay with the situation, you'll notice he doesn't react, because his first and main priority in life—is us. He may have fallen more madly in love with me than I did with him, but it's a close match.
Tyson's affection for us is all-consuming, it's like being in a new love relationship. He is constantly enamored with us, on his best brightest behavior (usually), and can’t wait to snuggle, cuddle or nuzzle after an absence. Oh, and hug. Tyson actually hugs! Due to his blindness, he is more docile than most Boxers. That being said, he still requires two daily walks. He’s a strong, muscular breed that simply needs exercise. But equally, he needs rest. He’s got some age on him, and although you wouldn't guess it, after a full day, he gets pretty tuckered out. A soft bed inside a warm home with loving people to surround him will only be what he asks. Tyson’s needs are simple. Tyson is an ideal dog.
When let to roam free (in a fenced yard) Tyson will wander, explore and seek out all smells. He's not afraid to play, loves to have air blown on his nose, but his adorable toes are so big that they will scratch if we are not careful! He doesn't mind being picked up and carried, if we feel unsafe about other pets and just want to remove him from the situation.
Yet, Tyson does need a two-part strong male or female figure. One is strength. Boxers are healthy animals originally bred to be courageous, strong and driven. As such, Tyson is very protective, making sure we are okay is his priority, and back to the point about other dogs. He is going to react if he thinks we're not going to be okay—he wants for our safety. Tyson is intelligent and responsive. Two is command. Tyson needs direction, commands and someone who will stick to that. He listens very well, was obviously well-trained, but when he wants to be stubborn, he needs a strong person to maintain the control. Tyson respects that and respects us for it, but patience with any creature or loved one is a given, not that we need much. Again, Tyson’s needs are simple and easy to fulfill. We greatly appreciate this part of him—it’s quite beautiful.
Tyson doesn’t care for rawhide, but loves beef tendons (All The Best). He doesn't care for chicken, either, but loves prime rib. But, again, he is a Boxer, and they do have particular diets to attend to. It’s as easy as the right food in the right amount, and managed treats. Also, because Tyson was found emaciated, he'll likely gorge himself when eating as a continued response to such travesty. That being said, he likes to beg for food, like any dog, but if we are firm, he backs down without issue. Like I said, he’s really well-trained.
Tyson is the biggest goofball. He does things that make us laugh so hard, we snort. He snores; he farts; he slobbers and rolls around on grass like a silly spaz. I have become so attached that I love him like a child. His trust is unconditional, vigilant. Tyson is tolerant and forgiving. Tyson has earned my devotion on more than one occasion, and this is why I continue to fight for him. I love him.
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