It’s not often that GRRIN rescues puppies, much less four blind puppies from the same litter, but that is exactly what happened in 2021 when GRRIN received a call for help from a local shelter. Two foster families stepped up immediately and offered to keep two puppies each with the idea that the pups would comfort each other in a new environment. We quickly learned that the Charlie, Millie, Frank and Betsy had no idea they were handicapped by lack of eyesight – they were fearless! Here is a compilation of what has happened with each pup since they were adopted.
Charlie
What a delight Charlie has been in our life. From the day we picked him up at the foster home he’s been our dog. When he hears our voice, he comes running with kisses. He picked up sit fairly easy, we struggle with stay and he LOVES to fetch. We’ve taken turns getting up at night with him as he has no clue it’s nighttime. Early mornings are a delight. He’s always in a great mood. It took him no time to pattern our house and it’s a two story. He heads up after eating breakfast to get Barb up. Charlie lives for the outdoors, helped in the garden this summer, and has picked up on code words for going for a walk. He filled a huge void in our life after losing our Sophie and in turn we have given him a lot of love. He’s becoming a big boy every day and much more independent. He still has no clue he is blind.
Betsy
Betsy is thriving in our family and enjoys the company of our two rescued Australian Shepherds. Being outside and walking our kids to and from school are her favorite activities. She has such a playful personality and fits in perfectly. We are so thankful the puppies were surrendered to Capital Humane Society and then transferred to GRRIN.
Frank
Hi, I am Franklin (Frank), and I am one of the four blind goldendoodle puppies who was surrendered to GRRIN. My dad knew that mommy’s dream dog had always been a golden doodle (mommy always wanted to therapy train a goldendoodle, so she could take it to school with her each day). My dad also knew that if he told mommy about me, a goldendoodle who was born blind, that she would never be able to say no to me. My mommy is a special education teacher, so adopting a dog with special needs holds such a special place in her heart. After a few months in my awesome foster home with the best foster parents, dad and mom finally got to rescue/adopt me, and on Friday, August 13th, I officially found my forever home. I have loved getting to know my big sister (now little sister as I have grown so much). My sister, Athena, has been a great helper in helping me navigate any new places I go to, and helps me avoid running into the fences. I love to take long runs with my dad, who has trained me very well to stay on his “side,” so he can guide me and run me safely, and I love snuggles and naps with my mommy. A few of my favorite things include ANYTHING FOOD, wrestling with my sister, new toys, and sliding headfirst into the refrigerator when I hear the ice machine, ice cubes are my favorite. Mom and dad say I have the cutest underbite and it is what makes me “Frank”. My sister and I have many fur cousins that we get to have sleepovers with- it is fun to play wrestle mania and tug-of-war with them. Daddy and Mommy say they are beyond grateful for GRRIN and my foster mom for giving them the best addition to the family (please don’t tell my sister I said that).
Millie
Hi! Millie here! I am one of the 4 blind Golden Doodle puppies who was surrendered to GRRIN. I really don’t know that I am blind, because you know, I can see with my heart! I was in the best Foster Home with my brother Franklin. I learned so much from my Foster Mom and Dad and Foster Sister Ruby. Best of all I learned how to snuggle! On September 22nd, I got adopted by my Furever Mom and Dad, and I am going to learn so much more as I get older. I am Mom’s Emotional Support service dog. I will be going to school, and become a Canine Good Citizen, whatever that means, but as long as I am doing that with my Mom, I am OK with going to school. I LOVE to find sticks and carry them around. We go for lots of walks and I have made new friends. I, like my brother Franklin, love ANYTHING FOOD, and sometimes I am naughty and like to chew on things not food (BOL). I love Ice cubes, Doggurt Frozen yogurt, sweet potato chips and bully sticks. We play with Doggie Puzzles and find it games. I sure can smell things great. Just recently, I learned to swim, and that was fun! I love baths and massages. I have a cat sister that watches over me, and makes sure I don’t get to close to her. Thanks to all of you humans that helped me get to where I am today. I am one lucky girl! Next May, Mom says we should have a birthday party for all four of us! I can’t wait to eat doggie cake!
