Once upon a time on a cold, wintry day, a litter of pups was born into a cozy, warm world. They squiggled and squirmed through their first week and a half, whereupon glimmers of light started to pierce the darkness of their existence. By two weeks all but one pup, Peach, were gazing blearily through their new, hazy blue orbs. By three weeks it became apparent that Peach would never experience the light of day - he had been born without any eyes at all... His heartbroken breeder thought at first that there would be no way this pup could possibly do well, and several agonizing discussions took place about the beautiful pup's fate.
Much time was spent researching online, talking with breeders in the parental ancestry, and discussing genetic testing with Embark lab vets, especially since none of the known risk factors were part of the equation (no excessive white, no inbreeding nor merle genetics). It was discovered that there was absolutely no screening available that could have predicted Peach's condition, and no evidence that any puppies in previous generations had been born with such. A rare condition, it's thought to show up once in ~10,000 times. (Both Mom & Dad have been fully screened).
After seeing Peach's interest in connecting with people, and unperturbed response to new circumstances on his solo photo shoot at 4 weeks, his ability to keep up with the pack in finding food, and his calm manner while being cuddled separate from the pack during a discussion determining his destiny, with sweet pup licking the salty rivulets, his tearful breeder shared that she would prefer to give him a chance. Upon hearing this, Peach let out a little bark that sounded almost exactly like a yes! This was the first and only time that he had barked to that point. "Well, we guess he's voted!" they laughed... and so did he. (His breeder is *not* one to personify dogs, but honestly, it sounded like he chuckled!)
*With all videos, click the link, then click the video to open it fully.*
A timeline was formed wherein he would be taken with the other pups to see the vet at 7 weeks to determine if there were any other anomalies or health issues, as well as given the temperament test at that time to see if he could be expected to thrive and react in safe ways to unexpected situations. Knowing that in a way it would be harder to have to put him down at that point in time because she would be even more attached, the breeder still rested in the knowledge that she wouldn't second-guess it then if he was showing that everything was too scary and that he couldn't handle it.
In the meantime, lovely Peach was cuddled, fed and trained just like all the other puppies. And, having never experienced anything different, Peach cheerily waddled and toddled, romped and rested through the weeks, astonishing his breeder on an almost daily basis with his coping and adapting abilities.
As with his litter mates, Peach was introduced to marker training between four and five weeks of age. "Wow!", remarked the breeder after the third Training session with Peach, done at 5 wks, "I do use a bit more hands on with him than I do with the others just to give him some location / spacial guidance. But imo, he's doing amazingly!"
On their first outdoor excursion at 6.5 weeks, Peach enjoyed investigating and scenting the air at 0:31 then moved away when Green (mistakenly called Blue) was growling at the goat. He was feeling a bit cautious, but without fear. (Dear Reader, if you didn’t know he couldn’t see, you’d be unlikely to notice with casual observation. In the link just given, he's the pup sitting in front of the sled who then moves towards the sound of the voice. Peach also easily locates and uses the potty box in the indoor puppy area, and is not perturbed by the noisy monster - vacuum cleaner). At seven weeks of age, Peach was all nose as he felt himself lifted into the air and placed into a small container with a couple of his brothers. Unbeknownst to him, he was going to the vet for the check-up that would determine his future. At the vet, his breeder couldn't be with him because of something called a 'world-wide pandemic'. Peach didn't know what that was about, but he wasn't too concerned since he could still smell his siblings and he thought the new people were nice... at least until something poked him in the hip! But, that was quickly forgotten because... treats! The vet mentioned something about anopthalmia and only one descended testicle but also stated these dogs, "generally do not have any more issue (with eye infections) than dogs with eyes. We do not want to close the eyelids, as there is likely still tear tissue behind them which need to drain properly. Quality of life for blind dogs is often excellent given the right home; recommend an owner in town. Healthy otherwise." Peach thought that sounded rather promising. "Whew," breathed the breeder, "Not only does it sound like Peach should have a normal lifespan, provided he passes his temperament test, but his siblings are all healthy, too." (Please note, Dear Reader, that the vet double checked everyone's eyes just to make sure. She said, "No abnormalities noted on eye exams of the other puppies. They all appear to be in great condition and well cared for. Everyone was bright, alert and very curious during their exams.") A couple of days later, the breeder did another training video at 7 wks. Peach eagerly wagged and scarfed up the food rewards. He tried hard to track the air scent following the lure, but occasionally it wafted off into left field, and him with it, lol. There was a man talking in the background (turns out that something called Covid meant that he had to teach College from home). And his handler messed up a couple of the markers, but overall, Peach figured it was a fun time. (He actually trains easier in some ways than his sighted siblings because he doesn't get as distracted with other sights.) Then at some point, Peach felt himself lifted up once again, and plunked into a large container with his siblings, just like on their previous outdoor excursions. Oh goody! What are we going to do now? But what was this?! It was ccccoooold outside (whatever 'outside' is... but that's the word his handler used.). The box slithered and slid down, down, down... and then there were strange sounds. REALLY strange sounds... Two by two each of his littermates were pulled from the container, then returned a few minutes later. But no one came for Peach. After a time, the box was pulled into a warmer area that smelled VERY interesting. The thing that blocked his way opened up and he could hear his handler calling him, along with the rest of his siblings. Everyone piled out. So did Peach. He heard his name and went to his breeder. Then another voice was heard, and he went to her son... And what was the fracas?!
No herding instinct test for Peach, but wow, the quacking and aromas were fascinating, although somewhat daunting. Not enough to stop him, but enough to half mast his waggy tail, especially at first. The next day, again with the box! And still so cold... -13*... Brrrr! It was Volhard temperament test time (it's a pdf). Down to a warm stall in the barn... That was better! But then pulled out of there and plunked on the cold floor... A strange person crooned, 'Here pup, pup'. Peach sniffed the air and wagged his upright tail, but hesitated. It wouldn't be wise to just go to anyone who didn't know his name. Then someone else mentioned something that included, 'Peach' in it. All of a sudden the stranger cajoled, 'Peach, here Peach, Peach". Huh... this might be ok after all... Peach continued to wag and took a step towards the voice. He allowed the stranger to pet him, still standing motionless except for his upright wagging tail. Shortly after that, he moved, wagging continuously, to sniff the stranger's leg, then the wrist and then sat down, enjoying the pets.
The stranger then shifted a short distance away and called him again. Hmmm. After a short period of contemplation, Peach moved confidently towards the sound, tail never missing a beat. In fact, when the man knelt down, he thought it might be nice to climb right up into his lap. All of a sudden, the stranger lifted him and placed him on his back, and held him there! Well, that was NOT fun! Peach struggled to get up. It didn't work, but still he wrestled. Thankfully, after a short time, the man let him back up. Peach was happy that was over and cuddled up to the tester when he petted him. And then the man picked him up and dangled him in such a way that he couldn't feel the floor... but that was ok; Peach relaxed. Something gently grabbed his paw. There was a bit of pressure that increased. After about 6 seconds, Peach pulled his paw away. After a short break, there was a loud clang a few feet away. With a bit of a jump, Peach startled, listened, tried to locate what was happening, and moved slightly to place the tester between himself and whatever that was. He didn't feel scared and did not tuck his tail, but he was cautious because he just couldn't tell if it was something that might be dangerous or not. (Dear Reader, Peach scored mainly 3's, and would likely have scored some more 2's if he were a visual dog since his level of confidence is quite high for being sighted, let alone blind. The breeder took note that he didn't like to be held down, so has added 'settle' to the training repertoire.)
Peach tends to move quickly, unlike most of us would if trying to feel our way around. As a rule he basically just bumps into his world and keeps going; it does not faze him. (This is a picture from 9.5 weeks but pertinent to this... He's air scenting to locate everyone in this picture. See how high he throws his feet as a protective measure? But it doesn't slow him down any! He actually leapt right over top of Opal on his way to the handler - he could tell she was there. He wasn't afraid, just enjoying life and touching base with his special person.) Anyway, on his third outdoor expedition at 8.5 weeks of age, Peach was eager to get into the sled after Misty corrected him for trying to nurse on her. Slammed right into it and just kept going. His breeder noted, "The wondrous thing is that he appears to be mapping things so quickly; it was his first time on that path outside of the crate, and he still knew which way to go to find it!" All the pups were pretty much done by this time too. They'd been outside for quite a while and their feet were cold.
The last couple of weeks before Peach's siblings went to their new homes, his breeder was busy testing, evaluating & compiling descriptions of each puppy, answering multiple email and online inquiries, filling out paperwork and arranging transport or pick up options in addition to the regular chores. Once most of his litter mates left for their new homes, she rested for a few days. At about 9.5 weeks, with a bit more time on her hands, she started marker training again, but this time Peach was surprised to find dry kibble in her hands. It made it a bit harder to track, so he worked to remember what the words she was saying meant. And then she plunked something down right in his path. Well, there was no stopping him! Up on he went! Peach's breeder exulted, 'Good boy, Peach!', and that made his heart happy. One better, when the training was through, she plopped more food down in front of him. That set his tail to waggin' even faster!
Then yesterday, Peach joined his brother for another outing. Not only did they get to meet & play with Opal - hold on to your hats, it's a topsy turvy video. (Sorry for the wild ride!), he played with his brother, Green, and got to meet one of the livestock guardians, Kohar.
Then Monty, and Laddie. (There was this interesting thing that wrapped near his head that was just so tempting to nibble on... But after a sudden 'uh,uh,uh' from his breeder, Peach stopped - thankfully!)
And now, finally, we get to the heart of this amazing pup's name... Peach bounced and pounced, exploring where no pup had gone before (nor had his handler taken him there). He is the pup in the background in this picture, racing - all 4 paws off the ground - through uncharted territory. What joie de vivre! This is not a pup that cowers from the world; he does not view himself as handicapped or disabled. He is INTREPID!
This lovely boy will be available to a special - in town - owner. One who recognizes & revels in his potential and is willing to spend the time to develop, direct, and protect him. If interested, please CONTACT us...
