Nov
23
Dog with no eyes learns echolocation
By
Read more at swns.com. Meet blind Rowan the wonder dog – born without eyes – who miraculously finds his way around using ECHOLOCATION. Despite being unable to see, German spitz Rowan barks and listens to the echos to help him tell where he is in relation to nearby objects. Owner Sam Orchard, 41, was shocked when a vet told her that a congenital defect meant Rowan had been born without eyes. But 18-month-old Rowan is now almost indistinguishable from a sighted dog after learning to use his barks to judge where he is.
25 Comments
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:04 AM
we have a puppy born without eyes here in minnesota who is very much like this lil champion…..our lil miracle
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:36 AM
Like she says, he’s never known eyesight. It’s still sad, but at least it’s not tragic. Another way to pull a positive out of this, is to think of how many ways he’s adapting and gaining abilities that most dogs will never know.
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:37 AM
@talitakoomi Your dog is old, and used to being dependant on sight, thus, will likely not learn echolocation.
Do NOT put it down. Just as blind people can have guide dogs, blind dogs can have guide humans. Make her golden years happy.
November 23rd, 2011 at 3:19 AM
@talitakoomi just enjoy your time with your dog now. Don’t get her put down now, be prepared because your dogs behavior can change very fast if shes getting older and losing sight smell and hearing. with my dog, as he got on, he lost his “pep” very fast, as if he was fine one day and 2 weeks later he was relying on being carried around to places. you know your dog best so only you can tell when its time to say goodbye
November 23rd, 2011 at 4:05 AM
close caption messes up that story SO much
November 23rd, 2011 at 4:18 AM
This is encouraging. My beloved pug is ten and going blind and I’ve been just heartbroken wondering it I will have to put her down-which would just destroy me, as she’s been my 24/7 companion since 6 weeks old. Her health is otherwise good, but catatacts and pigmentary keratitis are slowly stealing her light. Any advice out there?
November 23rd, 2011 at 4:52 AM
@tf2whackyengineer he uses echolocation to “see”
November 23rd, 2011 at 5:29 AM
He’s lucky to have you and you are lucky to have him.
November 23rd, 2011 at 5:45 AM
poor dog…hes so cute
November 23rd, 2011 at 6:04 AM
How precious!
November 23rd, 2011 at 6:53 AM
Daredevil’s Dog!
November 23rd, 2011 at 7:46 AM
Cuuuute! >-<
November 23rd, 2011 at 8:41 AM
This dog has no eyes!
Then how does he look?
Awful!
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 AM
i would hug this dog all day
such a cute dog my god!
lovely people!
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 AM
he has eyes…he is alil bit stoned i guess
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:16 AM
“Heeeey! Playtime”!!! Poor fellow, he looks so sweet
. Great job indeed, I think a doctor would have said he got no chance on having a good life. Glad there are people like this lady who give the dog a chance. Soo sweet!
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Awww how amazing! What a lovely dog! X
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:52 AM
Amazing doggy
. That woman can’t half talk though! She must breath through her ears. (I guess thats similar to Rowan Seeing through his ears) 
November 23rd, 2011 at 11:41 AM
3 pplz missed the like button
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:31 PM
sooo cute! *——–*
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:36 PM
3 people obviously feel they dont need there eyes either.
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:38 PM
@Kayy2xo yes that definitely has to be a keeshond. gotta recognize it when i see one ’cause i’ve grown up with this breed.
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:10 PM
Super really super!
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:15 PM
@LarryBundyJr Thumbs ups!
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:58 PM
Great story!