<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><HTML><FONT SIZE=2 PTSIZE=10 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">Mabels here. She arrived about 10 this morning. She is mostly blind. Food aggressive with the blindness. I was not sure how to handle her. Melissa brought her from Maryland in her car. She loves to ride. When she got here, we found out she dosen't like to be picked up. Since her sight is limited she was a little spookey about a metal cart that was on the floor next to her. When we went to get her out she snapped at us. Oh boy. Anyway, I grabbed Barney s car ramp. Then I got a treat. Enticed her down the ramp. When she got on the ground, she walked around checking out things. I had to get her up a 30 ft ramp to the back deck and then thru the house to her back room. I started to clap at her so she could hear me. She immediately reacted by following me. I was amazed. Went right in the house and past my other Bassets who were barking behind a gate in the family room. She went right back to her room as though she knew where she was. AFter I got her settled in, I brought her some food. She ate half of it but really sucked up the water more. I got her an orthopedic mattress bed, but she preferred to sleep on a throw rug. There is a leather couch in the room with those plastic steps that go up to it. I was told she would never be able to do them with her arthirtis. Anyway, I had to go to work for two hours so I left. When I came back, she was sleeping on her bed. I still had not gone in the room with her. I have to admit I wasn't sure what she would do,. so I talked and sang to her at the gate. Tonight, I finally went around the house and into the porch door to the room she is in. I just stood there to see what she would do. She came over and looked up at me as if to say, whats the problem. So I opened up the porch door and we went outside. She walked around for a good hour, then she wanted in. And guess what, she jumped up on the couch and laid down. Wow, I think she likes it here. I haven't united her with the the other dogs, but I think maybe tomorrow we will see what happens. She wants to get out the gate when she sees them. I think she is going to be fine. We just have to watch any food, and our fingers. LOL. She is beautiful and almost 14. What an inspiration she is. With all the abuse she has had, I can't believe she didn't want to take my arm off. She is so sweet. I can only imagine what she was like as a baby. I haven't touch her yet. I think that will take time. I just let her wander around doing her thing. I did however sit in a chair and she just walked around like that was fine with her. She has only been here less than 12 hours. I am just in awe.<BR>
Renee</FONT> </HTML>