Blind Helen looks as if she’s prepared for some holiday boating, doesn’t she? The blue thing around her neck is an inflatable ring that serves as a "soft" alternative to the hard plastic cones for post-operative wound protection. A wonderful supporter of the sanctuary, Sue R. in Colorado, sent us an entire collection of these neck rings, ranging from Dachshund-size up to a Helen-size Rottie.
Helen just had her right rear leg removed because of a fibrosarcoma, and unfortunately the only way to eliminate the cancer and make sure it didn’t spread was to take off her entire leg. We brought her home last week, and I took the photo over the weekend. This has been a more difficult transition for her than the typical dog who loses a leg, mostly because she’s totally blind. Helen is also a big girl, about 100 pounds, so there’s a lot of exertion required in moving that body around on three legs. She’s getting the hang of it, but it’s been slow going.
The ramp leading up to the front door of our house is ideal for a dog like Helen coping on three legs, as well as for the Dachshunds with bad backs (like Daisy, who you see partially hidden behind Helen), or for the old ones who struggle with steps. That’s new arrival blind Austin the Beagle on the ramp, and blind Callie waiting at the door.
As for Helen’s tongue … one of the funny things about this sweet girl is that she often falls asleep with her tongue sticking out, and after she wakes up, she doesn’t seem to realize it’s still sticking out. We like to say that Helen is one of those really dangerous Rotties who will lick you to death if she gets a chance, so maybe she just likes to have her tongue out and ready in case you happen to be walking by!
Rolling Dog Farm Blog 
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