Abby's favorite place in our backyard is a hill that has honeysuckle growing on it. The honeysuckle is so large that it is like a large bush. She has made tunnels underneath the bush. She loves to go in it and search for bunnies. Before going blind she was totally excited to get out there and hunt. So now since she is blind I know I should remove it so she does not cut her eyes. I know that is the best thing to do. But, I know she will miss it and I don't want to take yet another thing away that made her happy. She is still going in it. So far she hasn't gotten stuck or hurt herself. But, it's only been a few days. She will have to get used to the yard again when it is gone. Any thoughts? I know I probably sound ridiculous, but I hate making decisions! I just wish it was all better!
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Should I remove the bush?
Replies (8)
Does Honeysuckle have thorns? I'm not really a plant expert,but if it doesn't have thorns like a rosebush, I would probably not worry too much about it. It wont take her long to learn to keep her eyes closed when she dives in, I would think. If it does have thorns, I would remove it. Either way, definitely keep an eye on her with it for a while until you are sure she is coping with the blindness. Hope this helps.
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I'm not really familiar with a honeysuckle and even doing a Google image didn't help me at all. It looks to be a fairly leafy bush. Does it have large branches or just skinny little ones that move easily when brushed up against? My thought here and this is what I did in my backyard for Beni was to prune and trim the lowers branches of my bushes and plants that would be from the ground to around eye level. That would provide some safety for her eyes. I would concerned if there were some branches that stick out that could poke her. Take a good look at the bush and see if this is feasable. I mentioned in your other thread that I had contemplated buying Beni a pair of doggles.. they are goggles for dogs. This might also be an option for you when Abby goes out to provide her some protection.
If there is something you can work out with the bush it would help Abby to feel normal and keep things on an even keel. Good Luck!
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.
I like the goggles idea!
I'm guessing she instinctively already closes her eyes when digging and diving into the bush- most dos do. Even though she can't see, my guess is that instinct would continue. The goggles though provide that exrta level of security.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas
I love the doggles idea too! I wonder if she would wear them though! I can see her trying to paw them off. I will try to look next time when she goes into the bush to see if her eyes are open. I think they are, but maybe she closes them when she is in there. The honeysuckle does not have thorns. I think it's a weed! It smells really good, but ours is so old and big that there are some bigger branches as well as little ones. And then covered with greenery and flowers. It's her spot for sure. She still goes through it as soon as she gets outside.
Doggles for dogs
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.
OMG! That is so adorable! They look like they fit pretty good.
If it were me, I'd remove the honeysuckle. It's an invasive plant and can cause problems with native plants and trees, and if you think it could be a risk to your pup, that's all the more reason to get rid of it. . .
I always thought honeysuckle was just a bush. We have four by our back fence. Could you just trim up to above her head, leaving the large base, without removing the shade? She might not realize you had done anything.
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy
