News from USA on Sam's progress

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Sam is now completely blind. He went to the Opthalmologist on Thursday (his vet was worried that he went blind so quickly). He had several tests and they determined that he has SARDS: Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome.

It is not treatable. They said that it's one of the better blindness problems because it doesn't affect anything else. He is otherwise completely healthy. They gave lots of tips like placing rugs down in all the entrances to the rooms. He usually turns too early and head butts the wall. He got lost in the bedroom wardrobe the other day!

Areas can be "scented" to help him find stuff - like when the stairs start in the garage or around the doggie door. We are supposed to talk a lot (not difficult for one of us!) and otherwise not baby him too much.

Sight is their third sense after smell and hearing, so most dogs can adapt. He's still in the confused stage because he didn't really have time to adapt, but he will be fine.

As for Maxie, his sister, - she's too lazy to bump into things!!! Gem the black Lab mutt is being trained to help him, but she's being a real bitch right now because she's not getting all the attention.