Never lose faith in what your dog can do and overcome. This is what Frank Moe, a sled dog musher learned about one of his Alaskan Husky’s, named Indy, who was a racing sled dog who lost both of his eyes.  Listen to the story of how Indy became blind and yet found his way back to being part of the racing team on this week’s episode of Raising Your Paws podcast.

Here is the video about Indy, I mentioned during the podcast.

And here are the photos Frank sent me so you can see more of Indy.

Indy before his eye problems in 2015 with the dog, Wolfie.

Indy and Frank.

Indy just before the 2nd leg of the Gunflint Mail run. At 100 miles it was by far the longest race Indy had done since he went blind three years prior. He finished strong and happy in 8th place in the 12 dog class.

Indy, happy in his harness and racing again.

Here’s a video made just before Indy ran in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in which they finished 5th place.  A great close up view of sled dogs running.

Full Show Notes for Raising Your Paws Episode 62.

Title: Understand Your Dog’s Facial Expressions & the Story of Indy, a Blind, Sled Racing Dog.

I start this episode clarifying a part of the conversation I had with animal trainer, Ken Ramirez in the last episode, about rewarding your dog every time they come when you call them. This is in response to some questions listeners had about positive reinforcement training and if this means one always has to give treats to get a dog to do anything.

If you have any questions you’d like answered on the podcast about your pets, please feel free to ask. Post your question in the comment section of any blog article or write me at susan@raisingyourpaws.com.

I talked about dog’s mouths in the last episode and how at times when they pull their commissure which are the corners of the mouth, back, it looks to us like a smile. In this episode, I’ll describe some of the other positions your dog’s mouth takes that reveal when they are feeling nervous, defensive or fearful. Once you know what to look for, it’ll be easier for you to understand your dog’s emotions and anticipate its actions.

Then, did you see or read about the blind sled racing dog named Indy on the internet? Frank Moe, a dog sled musher in Minnesota, is the owner of Indy, and is on the show today, telling the story of how Indy lost his sight, what is was like for him to have a blind dog and how Indy was able to get back to racing.

Finally, have you wondered why your cat greets you by sometimes walking towards you with its tail held straight up towards the sky? This is a signal that all domesticated cats use with each other. In wildcats, it is only the kittens that show this posture. Find out how adult cats started using this and what it means when your cat raises its tail for you.

Send Us Your Smiling Dog Photos!

Do you have a dog who looks to you like they smile? Send me one or two photos of your smiling dog – I’ll select a number of the most engaging photos of dogs with smiling faces on, and post them on a future blog article along with your dog’s name. If your dog’s photo is selected, I’ll send you a coupon for a free large bag of NutriSource Pet food.

Send your photo to susan@raisingyourpaws.com. You’ve got until the end of March 2020 to get the photo to me. I’m looking forward to seeing your doggies.

Additional Resources for the Show.

Listen to the full conversation with Animal Trainer, Ken Ramirez.   Part 2 – Episode 61.

This is when I asked why he advised me to always “pay” or reward Rosy every time when she comes after I call her when she’s far away from me.

Resource for the story about facial expressions revealing dog’s emotions – -”For the Love of a Dog” by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.

Dog sled musher, Frank Moe’s Facebook page.

Frank Moe and Indy.

Resource for the story about cat’s upright tails – Cat Sense, How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet by John Bradshaw.