Success Story: Ming (#1491)

Adopted January 25th, 2007

My husband, Steve, and I have been a Golden Bond foster home for over four years. Early in November I received an email message from Golden Bond Rescue saying they were in need of a foster home for an upcoming intake special needs golden puppy from Taiwan that was blind. As I read on, I thought, we are in a good position to help out if we can. I was a little nervous about his coming from Taiwan; we had no idea if he knew about stairs, if he was house trained or if he even understood English. I met with several G.B. people at the Gabriel Park Vet hospital for his arrival on November 18, 2006. I must say I must confess my heart was won at first glance. Ming got a full check up from the vet and looked great, but a little scared. Gee, who wouldn’t be after what he had gone through?

He had been found wondering the streets of Taiwan with another dog, both near death, very emaciated. Then after getting the medical care they needed, they were fostered back to health. Their rescuer researched bringing them America on her next trip for work with Nike in Portland. So his next adventure was riding on an airplane for more hours than I care to imagine to a place where he knew nothing.

After his check up Ming and I headed for home. He was a perfect boy in the car ride home. When we arrived home our two Belgian Sheepdogs where anxious to meet the new house guest. It took only a few minutes for my Belgian boy, Sota, who is the same age as Ming, to take Ming under his wing and started acting as his Seeing Eye dog. Sota helped Ming maneuver and discover the lay of the house and then out to the yard to play. It was not long before Steve and I noticed the two were becoming fast friends.

It was about three weeks in to fostering Ming when we realized that for everyone’s good Ming should stay here with us. Sota and Ming were inseparable, and we had fallen in love with Ming too!

Today, almost three months later, Ming runs around with no hesitation. He knows exactly where everything is in the house and the yard. He spends the day playing with Sota and Sage (our six year old Belgian girl). He is the happiest little guy we ever seen. I find it amazing how animals do not let handicaps limit their life abilities. I keep my Belgians busy with competition obedience, herding and agility. Also Sage is a certified Pet Therapy dog for DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital. She and I visit Emanuel Children’s hospital once a week. And, for Ming it will be no different. I am working with him to become a Pet Therapy dog also one day. I think that impact of a blind dog could be incredibly powerful and send a great message to all, that you don’t need to let a handicap hobble you in life. Enjoy every day to its fullest! We are also investigating learning to do freestyle dancing!!

I think its safe to say we are all in love here at the Stiles home. Steve and I are grateful to have this gift of Ming and his love of life. He is an inspiration. Thank you, Golden Bond for allowing us in to a wonderful group of people and allowing us to help.

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