[Dailydrool] Blind bassets and basset noses

[rosekh at aol.com]

I just read about Browser's battle with glaucoma, and was struck by his mom saying how he seems to be making a map in his head.? I have also been reading the thread (and contributed to it myself) about a basset's sense of smell.? As an optometrist, I know what a devastating disease glaucoma is, and how difficult it is to control.? What I think we need to remember though, is that bassets do not rely first and foremost on their sense of sight.? They navigate through the world, size up people and other dogs, and investigate all the cool things around them with their noses.? I am sometimes amazed when I throw a cookie near Fred or Annie, and they wander around sniffing for it.? I point and say, "look, look!"? But, until they smell it, they can't find it!? Since WE rely so heavily on sight, we think about how devastating it would be for US to lose our vision, and probably transfer that to our babies.? While I'm sure there is quite an adjustment, especially initially, I would have to think that a basset misses his or her vision much less than we would.? If we lost our sense of smell, it would definitely change things, but not to the extent that it would for a basset.? 





Rose, Annie and Fred (Browser, we bet that your sense of smell will get even better...maybe as good as a Bloodhound!!)












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