Carmen wasn’t looking for a special needs pet. Her first thought was that she wanted a fun-loving pup who could go swimming at the lake with her family in the summer. But when she held Myrtle for the first time, she started tearing up immediately.

Myrtle is a Pekingese, also known as the “lion dog” for their resemblance to Chinese guardian lions. Pekingese were  favored by royalty of the Chinese Imperial court as both a lap dog and a  companion. True to her breed, Myrtle is the perfect companion.

When Myrtle came to the Pixie Project her eyes were injured and the only solution was to remove them, leaving her blind. Despite the trauma and pain Myrtle had obviously endured, she remained sweet and trusting, which melted Carmen’s heart.

“She has the sweetest disposition and I swear her snuggles are magical,” says Carmen. “She is a little warrior that has been through so much but is still so trusting and loving. When I first held her, I didn’t want to let her go!”

Carmen took Myrtle home to foster her, but after one day she knew that Myrtle was the dog for her.

Initially, Myrtle was depressed. Her blindness can be challenging, both to her and her caretakers. When the texture of the ground changes she can get very nervous. But with time and patience, Myrtle has become more confident and relaxed.

“She is learning how to get around, and more of her spunk and personality comes out every day,” reports Carmen. “She is the perfect snuggle bug, loves to prance around at the beach, and can make anyone smile.”

Carmen experiments with different kinds of toys to stimulate Myrtle’s natural curiosity. Blind dogs have to rely on senses other than sight, so they are more apt to engage with toys that have bells inside, toys that squeak, and scented toys.

And Myrtle loves to explore!  In new places it takes her a while to get used to the layout so she bumps into things a lot, but she is spunky about it. She seems to enjoy  finding her way around and sniffing at new smells.

Everyone loves Myrtle! “She is a complete game changer,” exclaims Carmen. “Even people who do not particularly like dogs love her!”

Myrtle loves to roam and prance on the beach, but Carmen was  nervous about letting  her  swim because she’s  not completely sure what Myrtle  is capable of and comfortable with. On a trip to Kelly Point, however, Carmen let Myrtle down near the water,  and to her surprise Myrtle went right in! Still feeling a bit protective, Carmen held Myrtle while she got her “water legs,” and in no time at all Myrtle was off and swimming in circles!

“I had no idea she was so fast!” says Carmen. “I was so excited I could hardly stand it. My cheeks hurt from smiling that day, and Myrtle was exhausted from the rare workout. As soon as we got  home she was out for the night!”

When asked about her adoption experience, Carmen couldn’t say enough about the Pixie team. “It was smooth and seamless.  They provided all the help and information I needed. I even had questions and issues come up post adoption and they were available to email/call for help!”

Thank you, Carmen, for giving Myrtle the blind Pekingese the loving home she deserves!