By Melissa O'Brien Two years ago we adopted a blind coonhound whose name was Priscilla when we met her at All Breed Rescue. Little was known about her. She came to Vermont from a shelter in the south; she had had puppies just before making that transition, though none of them survived. She was about 5 or 6 years old, and she was missing one eye. The other eye was clouded over by what we though might be a cataract condition, but we later learned was scar tissue.
We renamed her Daisy Mason, paying homage to the magnificent woman who was the housekeeper in the home where I lived and worked in Kentucky for many happy teenage summers. Daisy Mason, the woman, was small of stature but large of personality. She worked her way, daily, through the southern mansion inhabited by the wonderful Jones family, with grace and always, always, humming a tune. Miss Daisy Mason, like her canine namesake, was loyal, loving and peaceful. A true southern grande dame survivor. Though the story of her past remains a mystery to us, Daisy has taught us that it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter that she may have been neglected or abused. She probably was, and yet she shows no signs whatsoever of having gone through those hard times. She lives each day as if she has no memory -- a deep and powerful blessing. Last year, after living with us for just eight months, Daisy made it through the difficult testing process to become a member of the Therapy Dogs of Vermont family, proving that though one may have been "disabled," displaced or mistreated, one has the capacity to turn those struggles into something beautiful. Daisy, once abused, is one of the most powerful healers I know. Lessons From a Blind Coonhound
9/22/2014 06:16:29 am
Melissa, I was very touched by your story. Daisy Mason must be an awesome coonhound, and person! I too have a walker companion and soon to have a young female black and tan. These dogs have touched me like no other k9 has in the past. I know my Maverick (the walker) was abused in the past, but he is doing so good now, such a loving young man. My new B&T girl background is unknown to me now, and it doesn't matter, because she will be golden from now on! I can't imagine my life without them!
melissa
10/30/2014 11:37:01 am
You're most welcome, Randy. I had no idea how amazing coonhounds were until Daisy came into our lives. Every single day is new and great with her. Thank you for reading!
Angela Faeth
9/23/2014 04:40:48 am
Thank you Melissa and Daisy Mason. We love our B&T with all of her past issues - eight years later she has dropped some of her issues we have tried to drop all of ours!
Jennifer Slater
9/23/2014 12:57:04 pm
Wow that was wonderful. Thank you for sharing Daisy Mason's story Melissa. I'm so glad that you found each other.
Lila Arnold
10/2/2014 12:38:21 pm
I really enjoyed your story about Daisy Mason. Blind dogs are amazing. I have 3 that were born blind...two Catahoulas and one Australian Cattle Dog. My cow dog Ray is trying to open the world's eyes to what it is like with a blind dog. I hope you will take minute to visit his Facebook page at The World According to Ray. Thank you for saving Daisy Mason. She is gorgeous! Comments are closed.
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