Soba and Helen

I got this photo yesterday of wobbly Soba and blind Helen.  It sure looks like Soba was whispering some kind of secret into Helen's ear, doesn't it?

I was facing into the sun with the camera, and with the bright snow and the big black dog … well, the camera couldn't figure out how to balance the color contrast.  I tried to fix it using my Mac's photo editing software but it still looks a bit odd. 

You can see Soba's wide stance with both her front legs and back legs — that's a classic posture for a dog with cerebellar hypoplasia.  Soba rarely falls down because she is so good at keeping her feet so far apart for stability.

You may recall that dear Helen had to have a rear leg removed for cancer last year.  Already blind, she struggled for a while adapting to being three-legged — I think not being able to see made maintaining her sense of balance much more difficult — yet she's finally got it mastered. 

I don't know what secret Soba was sharing, but Helen seemed a bit dubious about the source.

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9 responses to “Pssst! Guess What?”

  1. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    How wonderful to see Helen. She looks great!

    Like

  2. ginger & Tobias (the greythound) Avatar
    ginger & Tobias (the greythound)

    That’s a great pic! I love how they are sharing secrets. You just never know what they may be up to, so you’d better watch your p’s & q’s! Glad to hear that Helen has adjusted to being without her 4th leg.
    Warm hugs to all,
    ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

    Like

  3. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    These two sweethearts look very well-balanced to me. Thank you for giving them such a balanced life with lots of love and care.

    Like

  4. Kate and Luke Avatar
    Kate and Luke

    I always thought Widget to be the gossip queen of the Ranch but maybe Soba is following in her footsteps!

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  5. Tia Mills Avatar

    Just goes to show you how resilient animals are. Every animal with a disability deserves a chance to live and if you give them a chance, they’ll show you how much they want to live! Thanks Alayne and Steve for giving so many disabled animals a second chance at life…Tia

    Like

  6. Janet in Cambridge Avatar
    Janet in Cambridge

    “What? Did you say spring was just around the corner??”

    Like

  7. Boundforglory Avatar
    Boundforglory

    I’m glad Helen has adjusted to being on 3 legs.
    Perhaps Sultry Soba senses Helen’s need for a little encouragement.
    “keep it up Helen, you’re doing great!”

    Like

  8. Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin Avatar
    Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin

    I would love to know what that secret is all about. Both dogs look beautiful. Amazing & wonderful how they adapt so well.

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  9. Shirley * James/Portland, OR Avatar

    Listen,
    Do you want to know a secret?,
    Do you promise not to tell?, whoa oh, oh.
    Closer,
    Let me whisper in your ear,
    Say the words we long to hear,
    Listen,
    Do you want to know a secret?,
    Do you promise not to tell?, whoa oh, oh.
    I’ve known the secret for a week or two,Nobody knows, just we two.
    You two are great girlfriends!!!

    Like

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