Granny

Here's Duchess, the little blind-and-deaf girl who arrived three weeks ago.  Because she's ancient, we've started calling her Granny, and it fits her personality.  She's just the sweetest thing, and every time we pick her up, she licks us on the face.  But honestly, we didn't really know how she would adapt to this environment, going from living isolated in a garage for most of her life to a high-energy household full of dogs and constant activity.  That can be a difficult adjustment for any old dog, but when you consider she is totally blind and deaf, and never lived with other dogs, we had to wonder what it would be like for her.

In a phrase: piece of cake. 

Actually, I should say:  piece of bread, because that is her favorite thing in the world.  We've discovered that she goes crazy whenever she smells bread in the kitchen, and let me tell you, she knows when there's bread out.  She can smell it from anywhere.  She becomes restless and paces back and forth on the kitchen floor, her head up, nose twitching and her eyes shining, searching for the bread!  So whether it's toast for our breakfast or bread for sandwiches at lunch, Granny always has to get her slice first or there won't be peace in the kitchen.  A piece of bread for peace in the kitchen, you might say.

Nothing has fazed her so far, and she has managed to become a "regular" in the household pack.  We watch her mill around with the other dogs -- aside from the the Dachshunds she's the smallest one in the house -- and she holds her own.  We worried that she might be a little snappish, just because she's old and tiny and wouldn't want to get stepped on ... especially when she can't see or hear anyone coming ... but she's never been that way with the other dogs.  (Attention, Dachshunds:  Please model this behavior!)

So having just told you about Granny's obsession with bread, I felt a little sheepish after putting her on the couch for the photo shoot today about noon.  Usually when I put her on the couch or a bed, she'll settle down and nap, but she kept trying to get off the couch, first going one way and then the other, looking for a way down.  She was in constant motion, restless, and increasingly frustrated by being up there.  I said to Alayne, "Jeez, she seems pretty worked up for some reason."

And then -- hello, Steve! -- I realized why:  Alayne was, yes, in the kitchen making sandwiches, and Granny could smell that bread!  So she must have felt like I was tormenting her by making her sit on that confounded couch for some silly photos while her slice of bread was waiting in the kitchen!

This was the final photo in the series, with Granny's "okay, I've really had enough of this, mister!" look:

Comments

[Kristen]

She is too cute!!!! I applaude you both for doing such an amazing thing for all of these wonderful animals. I wish I could do such a task. I thank you both for giving these animals a second chance at life!!!! Hugs and kisses to you all!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless!!

[Theresa]

I have been receiving your newsletter for a while now and I enjoy it tremendously. What can you say to two people who have such devotion to animals, thank you does not seem enough! You are doing what I would love to do with my life but have never done and feel ashamed for not trying to help these animals. I just want to say from my heart that I applaude you and give you a standing ovation for taking care of these sweet creatures that will surely meet you in Heaven one day and all say "Thank You".

[Lesli]

We miss you in Cali D-But you are doing so good and you are so happy. Thank you Steve and Alayna. You are a godsend. Bless you all...

[Benita]

oh my god...is she cute or what! I LOVE the older dogs cuz mine are or were 18 and 19 years old! She is absolutely my fave that you have!! Hope she sticks around for a long time.

[Nina]

What a cutie! Bring on the bread!! White or Whole Grain?!! She soooo deserves being with you at the ranch....glad you had a spot for her!

[heidi & the kitties]

Granny Duchess is so adorable, I just want to pick her up and snuggle her - and feed her bread of course! I am so glad she gets to live out her remaining time in such a happy and loving place. All animals deserve no less.

Oh, and Mr Caterpillar RULES! :-)

[Sonya Brooks]

Granny or Duchess, either one fits. She's old (Granny) but a still classy lady(Duchess). You are absolutely precious. You'll get all the bread you want for the rest of your life you lucky lady. Welcome to RDR.

[Ashley]

Awee she is soooo adorable! My family just recently put down our beloved 11 year old blind pug. She had been born almost completly bind and now in her andvanced age she couldn't even get up and had no joy in life. Now she can be happy in doggy heaven. Good luck on your new life Granny!

[megan rocker]

Now, I'm a "big dog" person in general...but OMG, is she a cutie pie!!!

[Margaret]

I just LUV that face! A dear, dear girl. Too bad they can't talk- there must be a wonderful bread ritual in her past. But more importantly, a wonderful future.

[yoonamaniac]

Aww. She's so adorable! My cat Grizzley loves bread just like Granny! :D

[Carol]

What a face! She really has a spark in her eyes. Thank you so much for giving her such a loving environment. Hopefully that garage is now but a distant and fading memory.

Even Mr. Caterpillar (or what is left of him) appears to have sparkly eyes.

[Mircat]

You know this story is at the same time both gently charming and heart-touchingly sad. What kind of life has Granny led that to her a piece of bread is a big treat? Did no one ever give this girl milk bones, jerky, pigs ears, anything fun to chew on, some kind of real doggy treat? That just makes me want to buy every treat imaginable and offer them to make up for what I think she's missed out on. Good thing I'm not there, Granny would get her own loaf of bread which, of course, I know is wrong but you know what I mean. Love on Granny for me okay?

[Linda]

Granny Duchess ROCKS!

[Angela]

What a darling little dog. I wish I could pick her up and give her a piece of bread myself.

[Lahna Zandi, Coral Springs, Florida]

Granny is so adorable! To think she was being left in a garage without anyone to be with for so long breaks my heart. I am so glad that you took her in to live the rest of her life feeling loved and cared for. She will never feel lonely again!

[Boundforglory]

This story is so cute!

It's fabulous how Granny has adjusted to a completely different life; it's a great lesson for all of us.

Glad you're enjoying the simple carbs of life, Granny!

[gayle]

She's a doll I bet her and Ellie Mae would be good friends. Welocme Home Granny!

[Debbie]

What a sweetheart! Give that girl a piece of bread for me.

[Carla Polastro-Nigro]

I can only quote the other comments: Duchess Granny is incredibly cute and sweet-looking!

Wish I could send her a nice piece of Italian bread (there are lots of excellent bakeries here in Piedmont)...:-)

Please give her a biiiig hug for me.

[Amy]

She's just beautiful! Her sweet personality shows in her face for all to see!

[Lalla and Sasha]

Oh my, that's a first. Atta girl, you go for those carbs...

[Cora]

Well...I like a woman that speaks her own mind and when Ms. Duchess Granny wants her bread...she wants it now!

[Craig from Great Falls]

Welcome to the "bread" fold Granny!

Good to see Mr. Caterpillar is still alive and kicking!

[Andrew, NZ]

Don't you mean "is that what's left of Mr Caterpillar?" lol

Go Granny Go!