Hallie modeling her 'Bumper Hat' (Protective Padded Headgear)

MEET HALLIE – she is a sweet longhaired Dachshund who is a blind rescue dog that paints!  Yes – it’s true!  Hallie’s mom Dee Dee Murry, who is a very talented artist, taught her how to paint before she went blind.  According to Hallie’s bio, “It was April 1, 2010 when our world turned upside down, Hallie had gone blind literally overnight from SARDs (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration), an autoimmune disease that attacks the retinas.”  (You can read more at www.hallieart.com/bio.php).

The loss of Hallie’s eyesight has not deterred her from continuing to paint and doing other things that she loves!  She is very talented and truly special in so many ways and is an inspiration to many who know and see her – she will surely capture your heart!  Check out her story and bio – also check out Hallie’s very cute paintings that are available for purchase (www.hallieart.com/paintings.php).  Hallie’s artwork sells internationally as well, and the proceeds of the sales benefit the Purple Heart Rescue, a dog rescue organization in the Washington State area.

Hallie has a special painting style that I love (check out her videos and you will see what I am referring to).  Oh and how incredibly cute is her little red beret?!   Some of you may have seen her – she has been on Good Morning America on the news as well as on talk radio.  You can see video clips and links to write-ups on her at www.hallieart.com.

I became aware of this amazing blind rescue dog a few days after Thanksgiving.  Dee Dee had been searching for something to protect Hallie’s eyes and head for about a year.  After coming across our website, she emailed me about making a custom padded Sherpa hat similar to what Cody (a Yorkie with hydrocephalus) and Molly (a blind Maltese) were wearing. (Both ‘special needs’ rescues belong to my very sweet friend Gail Zeolla). 

With the custom specs that she provided, I created a couple of prototypes with a custom bumper guard.   She was thrilled when she received them; tried them on Hallie and then put them to the test in one of Hallie’s nose work sessions.  Dee Dee reported, “… The hats are working really great!!! … We all really watched her in the different situations with it and overall it’s really great. …”   She emailed me about a few tweaks (i.e., gap in the back of hat and ear opening adjustments) – which are very easy fixes.  She wrote, “… It will be hard to let them go LOL! Everyone I've shown really loves them too. I think these will be a great thing for other blind dogs also. Hallie tolerates them very well and even when she shakes her head they don't get out of place. I can't tell you how glad I am to have found you! …”

Whether canines are born blind or become blind later in life, they are very “special” and I agree with the statement, “Blind dogs see with their heart.”  If you have a ‘special needs’ dog that would benefit from a protective padded hat with a bumper guard, please message me here or email me at lena@missionpawsable.com.

To see the incredible artwork of this amazing duo, check out their websites!
Hallie Murry (blind Dachshund who paints)  www.hallieart.com
Dee Dee Murry (Hallie’s Mom)  www.deedeemurry.com  
Facebook Dee Dee Murry artist
www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Dee-Dee-Murry-artist-Wildlife-horses-dogs-pets/479243490056?fref=ts

Just some of our fully lined harness dog dresses
for the pampered small breeds!
  
  

PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER!
If your pet is spayed or neutered – you are part of the solution.  If not, please help prevent the overpopulation of homeless animals.  There are just way too many animals and not enough homes for them all.  Sadly, the end result is not a positive one for a lot of animals that do not get adopted.

WHERE CAN I GET MY PET SPAYED OR NEUTERED?
Check out the ASPCA link to find low-cost spay and neuter programs in your area by entering your zip code.  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter/

Please pray for our military men and women in the armed forces!

Don't forget about our military working dogs who have served along side their military handlers since before World War II!

K-9 Terrence, MWD stationed at Ft. Gillem, GA

Department of Defense Military Working Dog School
Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX is home of the Department of Defense Military Working Dog School.  According to their website, "The 341st Training Squadron provides trained military working dogs (MWDs) used in patrol, drug and explosive detection, and specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. Conduct operational training of MWD handlers and supervisors. Sustain DoD MWD program through logistical support, veterinary care, and research and development for security efforts worldwide."

For adoption information on the Military Working Dog Training Program visit the following link: 
http://www.37trw.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120718-079.pdf
DoD Puppy Program, click here:  http://www.37trw.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120611-022.pdf