Robin Wagner and her boyfriend had been searching for the perfect furry companion for what felt like an eternity. That was until they stumbled upon Blaze’s adoption profile online
When Blaze arrived at his new home, Robin and her boyfriend were in for a surprise. “We didn’t even know about the teeth before he came home. That was a glorious surprise,” Robin told GeoBeats Animals.
Initially, the shelter told them that Blaze’s sunken eyes didn’t seem to be causing any vision issues. However, a visit to a veterinary ophthalmologist revealed that he was completely blind in his right eye and needed surgery to save what little vision he had left in his left eye.
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Despite this significant change, Blaze adapted remarkably well. He learned to navigate his surroundings with minimal issues, and his right eye was eventually surgically removed due to recurring infections. “I think I was more put off by the change than he was,” Robin admitted.
The Road to Recovery
Getting Blaze healthy was a long and arduous process. When they first adopted him, he weighed a mere 50 pounds, but with proper care, he eventually reached a healthy 80 pounds.
Since Blaze couldn’t see his surroundings, they had to find new ways to communicate with him and alleviate his anxiety.
The training process was challenging but ultimately rewarding. “Obviously, we didn’t anticipate the number of challenges we would face after we adopted Blaze. But given the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. He’s my very best friend and I count my lucky stars every single day for him,” Robin said.
In a heartwarming twist, the family’s cat, Satin, has taken on the role of Blaze’s guide cat.
Satin uses meows and chirps to warn Blaze of potential collisions, helping him navigate his surroundings. “Every time he’d be walking towards her, she would meow. She would meow, and he would stop and redirect himself,” Robin told People.
A Beautiful Friendship
While Satin may not be the cuddliest cat, she’s shown Blaze that she cares deeply for him. You can follow their daily adventures on Blaze’s Instagram profile, @blindboyblaze.
As Robin and her boyfriend navigated the challenges of caring for a blind dog, they developed a newfound appreciation for the little things in life.
They learned to cherish the moments when Blaze would snuggle up next to them, his tail wagging furiously as he sensed their presence.
A Community of Support
Through Blaze’s Instagram profile, Robin and her boyfriend have connected with a community of animal lovers who share their passion for rescue dogs.
They’ve received countless messages of support and encouragement.
As Robin looks back on their journey with Blaze, she’s reminded of the power of love and compassion. Despite the many challenges they’ve faced, their love for Blaze has only grown stronger.
“He’s my very best friend and I count my lucky stars every single day for him,” Robin said. And that’s a love that knows no bounds.
