Nice to see you (kind of). I’m Lucy, a proud Poodle, and I want to share my story with you about something that’s been changing the way I see the world—literally! It’s called Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA for short, and it’s a condition that’s been slowly taking away my sight.
Oh, don’t worry! I’m still the same playful pup at heart, and my human has been doing everything they can to help me adapt. Let me tell you what PRA is, how it’s affecting me, and how my human makes sure I still live a happy life even though I can’t see like I used to.
What Is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)?
PRA is a genetic disease that causes my retinas—the part of my eyes that helps me see—to slowly break down over time. It’s kind of like the lights in my world are dimming a little more each day. Eventually, this condition will lead to complete blindness, which can be scary for a dog like me, but it’s something we can adapt to together.
There’s no cure for Progressive Retinal Atrophy in dogs, and no treatment can stop my sight from fading. Some supplements might help with symptoms like night blindness, but once PRA starts, it’s a gradual march toward blindness. It sounds a bit sad, but my human always reassures me that we’ll figure it out as we go.
Breeds Like Me That Are Prone to PRA
Poodles like me are one of the breeds most at risk for PRA, but I’m in good company with other amazing dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels. It’s all in the genes—something I inherited, and there’s no way to prevent it from happening. But that doesn’t mean we can’t prepare for it!
How PRA Affects My Life
At first, I didn’t notice much change. I just had a little trouble seeing at night, and I’d bump into things now and then. My human noticed I was acting a bit more cautious during our evening walks, and sometimes, I’d hesitate before running up to grab my favorite toy. Slowly but surely, my world got fuzzier, and now I rely on my other senses—like my super sniffer and my excellent hearing—to get around.
One thing I love is how my human has adapted our routines to make things easier for me. I still love going on walks, but now we stick to the same, familiar routes. That way, I can rely on my memory and scent cues to help guide me. And don’t even get me started on the amazing smell of bacon treats—that’s something I’ll never lose “sight” of, even if I can’t see them anymore!
How My Human Helps Me Live With PRA
Losing my sight hasn’t been easy, but my human has made some adjustments that have helped me feel safe and comfortable. Here’s what they’ve been doing to make life easier for both of us:
- Consistent Furniture Layout: One of the biggest changes my human made was keeping the furniture in the same place. This way, I know exactly where everything is and don’t run into things as often. If you keep things predictable, it makes it much easier for me to navigate.
- Safety Mats and Rugs: They’ve added non-slip mats and rugs around the house, especially near places where I like to sleep or eat. The texture helps me figure out where I am, and it’s a nice, soft landing if I happen to bump into anything.
- Smell Markers: My human also got clever and started using different scents to mark certain areas in the house. My bed smells like lavender, while the door to the backyard has a hint of lemon. These scent markers help me know where I am and give me a sense of direction.
- Verbal Cues: We use a lot more verbal commands now. I may not be able to see, but I can still hear perfectly! My human says things like “step up” or “easy” when we’re getting close to curbs or stairs, and I trust them completely. It’s like we’ve developed our own language of trust.
- Staying Close During Walks: Speaking of walks, my human always keeps me on a short leash now, so I don’t wander too far. It’s not that they don’t trust me—it’s just easier for me to feel secure when I know they’re right by my side. We take familiar paths, and I can sniff my way through the neighborhood like a pro!
- Toys with Sound: I may not be able to chase after the same toys anymore, but my human found some awesome squeaky toys and balls with bells in them. I can still play fetch and tug-of-war, and let me tell you, I’m still the tug-of-war champion in this house!
Practical Ways We Manage My Blindness
Living with PRA doesn’t mean life stops being fun. In fact, my human and I have learned to work together to make sure I still have plenty of joy in my day-to-day life:
- Preventing Injuries: We’ve made the house a safe zone! Sharp corners are padded, and we avoid rearranging the furniture too often. This way, I can move around confidently without accidentally bumping into things that might hurt me.
- Calm Spaces: I’ve got a designated calm space where I can go to relax if I feel anxious. It’s quiet, cozy, and always smells like my favorite blanket. This helps me feel secure on days when I’m feeling a little more nervous about moving around.
- Special Routines: We have a solid routine that never changes. Meals, walks, and playtime all happen at the same time every day. This consistency keeps me calm because I always know what’s coming next. Even though I can’t see, I still know when it’s time for a belly rub!
- Touch Communication: My human has started using gentle touches to guide me. A little tap on my side means “turn this way,” while a nudge on my back means “slow down.” It’s like we’ve developed a new form of communication, and it makes me feel connected even when I can’t see what’s going on.
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Still Wagging My Tail, Even Without My Sight
I may not be able to see the world anymore, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy it! My human and I have found new ways to play, explore, and bond, and I’m still the same happy, loyal dog I’ve always been. Sure, I’ve had to make some adjustments, but thanks to my human’s love and care, I know everything’s going to be just fine.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I smell dinner—time to follow my nose to the kitchen!