Scarlett is a blind American Water Spaniel who came to live with us two and a half years ago, after being rescued from an animal shelter. In her short life, Scarlett has been given up twice to a shelter and lived with six different families. Her career as a narcotics detection dog was cut short by sudden blindness, but she has gone on to a new "career" as a Delta Pet Partner, working with special needs children.

Born in 1992, Scarlett and a littermate were sold as hunting dogs. At around 15 months of age, they were turned over to a shelter for unknown reasons. After Scarlett was rescued, her foster parents - experienced dog people - determined that she was too hyperactive for family living and needed "a job to do." In 1995, she was placed at a canine training academy where she learned narcotics detection. From there she went to live with a handler. Scarlett was highly effective in her work - during just one period in 1996 alone, she and her handler made 60 "finds," the street value of which was $96,000!

But suddenly, in July, 1997, just before her 5th birthday, Scarlett went blind from SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome.) Despite retraining and several months of continuing to work without vision, Scarlett was finally given up and once again fell on hard times, including physical illness - likely due to stress and inadequate shelter care.

Scarlett was rescued and got a start towards regaining her health and transitioning from a work-oriented routine to retirement and indoor life with other dogs. Although she has never completely given up her urge to rummage and search (for drugs), Scarlett DID earn her Canine Good Citizen title while still in foster care!

Placed in her "forever" adoptive home in Oregon, with us and our Irish Water Spaniel Bravo, her brother, Scarlett has not let blindness alter her enthusiastic, "can do" attitude towards life. She goes swimming, runs alongside a bicycle for exercise, retrieves bumpers "just for fun" and gamely stalks her "brother" when he plays keepaway with her squeak toy. She and her "parents" are also learning to track AKC-style (also just for fun, because blind dogs are excluded from participating in official events.)

In addition, in 1999, Scarlett became a certified Delta Pet Partner. With her team mate, Hank, a child welfare caseworker, Scarlett does animal assisted activities and therapy with special needs foster and adoptive children. She also periodically visits Headstart classes and other childrens' groups. Despite all her moves and dislocations, despite loss of family, friends, familiar surroundings, vision and purpose in life, Scarlett has managed to retain her friendliness towards all people and a special affinity for children!

 Scarlett and Hank Delta Pet Partners

 A role model for overcoming pain and loss, Scarlett is a blind dog who truly sees with her heart!!!

(Scarlett lives with Holly Thau, Hank Werner and their IWS Bravo, in Pendleton Oregon. She will be 8 years old on 8-22-2000.)

Holly hthau@orednet.org

   Scarlett and Bravo going for "a spin"

   Scarlett leads the way!!!

* In April 2001, Scarlett and Hank retired as Pet Partners. Scarlett continues  to enjoy her other activities.