Dog without eyes gets help from ‘seeing-eye dogs’

Author: CBS News
Published: Updated:
CBS News/ Jessica VanHusen

On a rough day, Kiaya collapsed on the cold living room floor, unable to make it to her queen-sized dog bed.

Within minutes, her two “brothers” snuggled up on each side of her.

The sight brought tears to pet owner Jessica VanHusen’s eyes. That’s because life hasn’t been easy for the 10-year-old Akita, who lost both of her eyes to glaucoma over the course of 15 months.

Not only can the 100-pound dog not see, she also has a hard time walking — that is, without help from her “seeing eye dogs.”

The special needs dog didn’t have too much trouble adjusting to her new normal with 8-year-old Cass and 2-year-old Keller by her side. Without any commands, the dogs decided on their own to be her guides.

“The boys both respect her fully,” VanHusen told CBS News. “[They] allow her to eat first, they lean her up against the side of the car when we are traveling to stabilize her.”

“It’s amazing to watch,” Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners Ophthalmologist Dr. Gwen Sila, who performed Kiaya’s surgeries, said in a news release. “It’s clear the other dogs are trying to protect her. Their sense of loyalty is really remarkable.”

Click here to read the full CBS News story.

 

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