Jackson and Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (“PRA”) is genetic disease, found almost exclusively in dogs, that blinds them at age two or so. WC’s border collie, Jackson, was diagnosed with PRA in 2003, not long after we adopted him. He’s been completely blind since late 2003. PRA has no cure. About all you can do is make certain that a dog that carries the recessive gene doesn’t breed.
He doesn’t know he’s blind. He astonishes visitors with his ability to navigate the house, the yard and even the areas where we walk. His map of the neighborhood is simply amazing. Jackson is a tribute to the malleability of a dog’s brain.
Even before going blind, his favorite activity was chasing his cloth frisbee. And it still is.
Jackson and His Frisbee
Jackson thinks nothing of charging full speed after a thrown frisbee. Using a combination of hearing and scent, he can track the frisbee down and bring it back for another toss. And again, and again, with all of a Border Collie’s classic intensity.
Jackson Chasing His Frisbee
Sometimes he gets so excited that he loses his “mental map” of the area and crashes full speed into, say, a retaining wall. It’s given him a West Virginia smile, WC is afraid – there are some missing front teeth. Jackson regards those kind of events as minor distractions in the serious business of having fun.
WC counts himself lucky to have Jackson as his buddy. He reminds WC every day that a disability isn’t disabling.
What a remarkable dog! Typical border collie.
WakeUpAmerica
August 9, 2012 at 6:34 am
You might consider utilizing his sense of smell to help him define the boundaries during those overly excited moments. For example, using a strong smelling substance such as deer repellent, or powdered lime, mark the edges of the yard. Even when running and being excited, the strong smell should pull him up when he nears it (once he learns what the scent barrier means).
I once knew a blind horse. He even could jump. Amazing!
Kate McLaughlin
August 9, 2012 at 10:46 am
Yes, that was John Lyon’s appy stallion.
WakeUpAmerica
August 9, 2012 at 11:06 am