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Man Agrees to Watch Blind Dog, Whose Owners Never Return
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This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!
I first noticed this little dog in the town being walked slowly on a lead by a young man. After seeing them a few times, I stopped, petted the dog and asked the man about him. He said that he'd had the dog, Toby, since he was a puppy, but just after he turned one, he went completely blind. Vets said it was the result of inbreeding and that nothing could be done. Toby was then about four.
We met a few more times, and the man said he was going back to Asia but that two friends about 20 miles away would be taking Toby. I told him that if they ever needed me to look after him, I would gladly do so and gave him my number to pass on. A few days before Christmas, I got a call from them saying they were going to London for four days and asked if I would look after Toby. I, of course, agreed and they drove up and dropped him off.
Days turned to weeks and months. Eight years on, I still haven't heard from them. I thank God they didn't come back for him, as he is a major part of my life.
A few days after I started looking after him, he was walking without a lead, following my voice and the jingle of my keys. He soon knew words like "stop", "careful", "steps", etc., even though his former owner spoke to him in Malay. He mapped out my house and knew when to avoid obstacles, but the greatest thing was when I got him to run. If we were ever in an open space with no obstacles, I would just say "run", and the look on his face as he ran around and around was of sheer happiness and joy.
He is now about 12, has lost one eye, has a bad heart and water retention, and cannot run anymore. But, he still likes his walks, food and playing with his toys. I can't imagine life without Toby, so I urge everyone, never be afraid to take on a blind dog.
Photo: Mark from Exeter, UK
Story submitted by Mark from Exeter, United Kingdom.
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!
