Nyala was adopted 5/1/17 by the Chandler-Honeycutt family (Georgia).
2/23/171 - 19 of 19 Images3159 visitsAlbum by TerryPhotos by Terry
1 Meet Nyala!
2 The shelter told us that they had a sweet, happy girl needing rescue because she was completely blind.
3 She needed bilateral enucleation (removal of both eyes) to reduce pain/discomfort and prevent future injuries and infections.
4 Even in the loud, frightening shelter environment she was friendly, alert, and always eager to be held.
5 Nyala weighs 9-1/2 lbs. and is thought to be about 9 years old.
6 Despite not being able to see, she immediately began exploring her new surroundings with surprising confidence, using her hearing, her whiskers, and her paws to navigate.
7 Initially she is careful but not tentative, and once she checks something out, whether a doorway, a step, furniture, or a set of stairs, she remembers where and what it is and maneuvers around with ease.
8 She LOVES to eat and will sing for you if she determines that it is supper time and you are being lazy about it.
9 Day before eye surgery.
10 Her lack of eyes has made no difference in her ability to get around. She will "look" right at you, no matter where you are. It is almost uncanny how she can find you just by scent and sound, even when you think you are being silent.
11 Check out this video of Nyala navigating around the house.
12 Another video -- this one of Nyala at dinner time.
13 She is reliably house trained and has never had a single accident in the house, even when left alone all day.
14 She does great with all people she meets, although she will bark to alert you if there is a "stranger" in the house. Once she meets someone, however, she remembers them and welcomes them with affection.
15 Just checking out the world of smells and noises.
16 Nyala gets along fine with the other dog in the home, but she seems accustomed to being on her own and doesn't rely on him to take the lead.
17 She will jump up onto the sofa (and down again) without assistance. She particularly likes it when you decide it's nap time.
