Owners don blindfolds to prepare for blind rescue dog
“I truly believe that any dog, if they’ve got a disability or not, deserves a second chance and a loving home and that’s what she’s got."
The owners of a blind rescue dog prepared for their new arrival by putting on blindfolds and trying to navigate their home.
Julie Iliff, from Swadlincote in Derbyshire, adopted blind terrier Tina from the RSPCA. While she was not put off by her new pet’s sight loss, she knew she would have to prepare.
“We put blindfolds on each other and we walked around the house - anything that we hit on the lower leg was obviously going to be an obstacle for Tina,” Julie said.
Tina has settled in well and formed a close bond with Julie’s other dog, 11-year-old Westie-cross Tyke.
“Tina and Tyke are absolutely amazing together,” Julie added. “Tyke is a little bit protective over her if anything happens he lets her know. They play together, sleep together, kiss each other, they do everything together - they’re a match made in heaven.”
Rescuing Tina
The RSPCA found Tina confined to a cage in a house in Nottinghamshire last summer, along with 40 other dogs. She was suffering from a serious eye infection.
Inspectors had been trying to work with the owner to help her reduce the number of pets she had and ensure the remainder were cared for properly. The owner agreed to sign over nine dogs, leaving 31 dogs in crates and cages around the home, some stacked on top of each other. There were also numerous cats, birds and other animals being kept at the home.
“There were so many animals the owner was overwhelmed by them which meant they weren’t being exercised or even allowed out of the house,” Inspector Sarah Gardner said. “Sadly, she was struggling to care for them properly as many of them had skin conditions and overgrown nails.”
When Inspector Gardner made a return visit, another 21 dogs were removed, leaving 10 behind - including Tina. On the advice of Inspector Gardner, the owner sought urgent treatment for Tina’s eye infection, but two weeks later she asked the RSPCA to rehome her and four other dogs.
A second chance
It didn’t take long before Tina won the heart of Julie Iliff. “I don’t think we chose her I think she chose us,” she commented. “I truly believe that any dog, if they’ve got a disability or not, deserves a second chance and a loving home and that’s what she’s got.
“You wouldn’t know she’s blind - she does everything a sighted dog does, and more. She is so loving, she loves a cuddle, she loves to sit on your lap. She’s just special.”
The RSPCA said it will continue to work with the original owner, to ensure the remaining pets have a good quality of life.
Julie is fundraising to pay for pioneering surgery to help restore Tina’s sight. She is hoping to raise £5,000 to cover the cost: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lovelytina.
Image courtesy of the RSPCA
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