It takes an extraordinary breed of human to open heart and home to a dog that is blind. There are a number of books and online resources to help make the transition comfortable for you both.

Just like blind people, dogs without sight can do very well with the senses they have. So tailor your environment and behavior so that you address his heightened sense of smell, taste and touch.

Some of the basics to get you started include surveying your home to minimize sharp-cornered furniture and being careful to never leave obstacles on the floor. Learn to walk with a heavy foot and be very vocal. Introduce him to his new home by walking him on a leash slowly several times through the house so that he becomes familiar with your floor plan. Let him investigate the house slowly, with you walking next to him. Speak with an encouraging voice as he navigates in his new home.

You can also use a clicker and treats to help him acclimate while building his confidence. A clicker is a small device that emits a sharp quick noise when pressed. Any time that he walks in an appropriate direction, click — which lets him know that what he was doing was right — then immediately offer him a treat. He should quickly learn that he is rewarded when moving in a certain direction.

Dogs respond well to tactile differences and sounds. If you have raised thresholds on your doorways, this may help him acclimate. You can also help him distinguish other rooms or areas by using rugs or runners. To continue to make this a fun experience, and to build the bond that you two share, you can play the recall game. To begin, stand a few feet from him and call him to come to you. The key is to continue to call him until he finds you. For example, say "Stevie, come! Go! Go! Go! GO!" and once he gets to you, praise him heavily. Do this at least a few times a day, and slowly increase the distance between you both when you call him.

Once he feels secure in his new environment, settle into an exercise routine. Blind dogs need just as much exercise and stimulation as sighted dogs. Start with a nice quiet pathway as he adjusts to walking with you and building trust. This time together will strengthen the relationship between the two of you, and provide him the necessary stress relief to ensure a smooth transition to his new family.

Your calm and assertive demeanor will help to build his confidence in you as his provider. So try not to coddle him, worry or be hesitant in your actions.

If you have another pet in the house, try to keep them separate for a while to allow him time to build his confidence and learn the lay of the land.

ADOPTABLES

BILLY

TAG NO. 08-15283

This good-looking domestic medium-hair is a sly fellow, but he slipped up when caught in a cat trap back on the Fourth of July — probably frightened from all of the fireworks. Billy is 2, and is a real couch "purr-tato." Did we mention sweet, lovable and cuddly, too? If you've got a lap, Billy's your boy!

SUMMER

TAG NO. 08-17839

If you have a booming baritone, forget about adopting Summer, as you will probably scare the spots off her body! She needs a soft voice and gentle encouragement. This Dalmatian mix was brought in as a stray on July 29. She is shy, tending to stay to the back of her kennel. Too bad, as she is incredibly sweet up close and personal. Summer has been diagnosed heartworm positive; check with your private vet as to treatment for this disease.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiian humane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.