Out now and available from most any retail book outlet! Leading off chapter 9, “Living in the Moment,” is my essay, “Flying Blind.” It is a tribute to my dearly loved Italian Greyhound William, who went blind from a genetic disorder at the age of 6. He may have been a sighthound, but he carried on, using his nose, his ears, his paws, and a little help from his sighted canine and human partners to continue to enjoy life to the fullest. I am honored to be able to share his story with my dog-loving friends everywhere.
20 copies signed by me (and on William’s behalf) sold out in three days as a fundraiser for the Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation. The Foundation helped me get William examined and tested by a Michigan State University veterinary ophthalmologist studying the inherited condition that caused William to go blind, progressive retinal atrophy. They have now been able to create a genetic test for PRA, to help breeders identify carriers and avoid perpetuating this defect in Italian Greyhounds. William could not benefit, but played a part in keeping other dogs healthy. I am glad I could offer this gift of gratitude to IGRF for all they do and have done for not just my IG, but IGs all around the country.
William, your dog, sounds like a person. A person can be lacking in certain skills but be the best possible person you’ll ever know.