In a heartfelt interview with Georgeprints.co Dog Blog, we delve into the inspiring story of Puddin, a spirited terrier mix who has captured hearts on Instagram as one of the platform’s most uplifting dogfluencers. Puddin’s journey is a testament to resilience and courage.
Puddin’s Early Struggles: Puddin’s life took a challenging turn when she was neglected and abandoned at the tender age of six weeks. A severe eye infection left her entirely blind. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Texas came to her rescue, but her eyes needed to be removed, and her eye sockets were sewn shut. Despite these adversities, Puddin exhibited an unshakable spirit.
Puddin’s New Lease on Life: Under the loving care of her new owner, Cory Gonzales, Puddin found a safe and happy home in Lubbock, Texas. While unable to see, she thrived and lived a fulfilling and healthy life.
Challenging Common Myths: Cory shared insights into Puddin’s story to challenge common misconceptions about blind dogs, shedding light on their potential and the love they bring to their families. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey of love and discovery.
Puddin’s Remarkable Journey: Cory, a speech-language pathologist who works with special needs children, was drawn to Puddin’s resilience and spirited personality. Their bond was sealed the moment Cory witnessed Puddin’s lively spirit during a visit to the animal shelter.
Overcoming Health Hurdles: While Puddin faced some health challenges, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) as a puppy, she has been generally healthy. The couple now has pet insurance, providing peace of mind and financial security in case of unexpected medical emergencies.
Creating a Safe Environment: Cory and Puddin have ensured a safe home environment, incorporating a Fi GPS dog collar and microchip for added security.
Adapting to Blindness: Puddin has adapted remarkably to her blindness, creating her own navigation system with her keen senses, reminiscent of a vigilant goldfish. She’s learned commands such as “watch out” to avoid collisions.
Meeting New Friends: Puddin’s interactions with other animals, including dogs and cats, are characterized by her friendly demeanor. She embraces new furry friends with affection, although she can be cautious around men, particularly in noisy situations.
Dedicated Training: Puddin attends dog training classes to work on adapting to various challenges, such as loud noises and unfamiliar smells. They are committed to ensuring Puddin’s comfort and safety in any situation.
Delicious Rewards: Puddin’s favorite treats include Pup-Peroni and Farm Hounds treats, but she’s particularly fond of any morsels that come from Cory’s mom’s plate.
Housebreaking Success: Contrary to misconceptions, Puddin’s housebreaking was smooth. She was trained to ring a bell to signal when she needed to go outside and used a Fresh Patch indoors initially. Over time, she preferred outdoor potty breaks.
Playtime Joy: Puddin’s playtime is filled with enthusiasm, especially when it comes to squeaky toys. Her love for fetching and tracking scented balls demonstrates her remarkable adaptability.
Life During the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a change in routine for Cory and Puddin, with a focus on indoor activities. They are determined to maintain an active lifestyle to stay healthy.
Adventurous Travels: Puddin had the opportunity to visit White Sands National Park in New Mexico with Cory, a trip that required some special precautions for the long journey. Puddin adapted well, and her zest for exploration was evident.
A Healing Companion: For Cory, Puddin’s presence has been transformative. She became his reason to overcome personal challenges, offering unconditional love, and a sense of purpose. She became a lifeline, helping Cory establish a daily routine and rebuild his life.
A Message to Those Considering Adoption: Cory’s message to anyone contemplating adopting a blind dog is unequivocal: “If you’re on the fence, do it.” Special needs dogs have an incredible capacity to love and adapt, proving that, to them, blindness is not a limitation but a unique way of experiencing the world.
Puddin’s story serves as a reminder that love and resilience know no boundaries, and that every dog, regardless of their circumstances, can bring immense joy and inspiration to their human companions.
