Dog News

Blind Dog and Rescued Stray Form Partnership for Life

by ADMIN

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Introduced by chance, two disadvantaged dogs learn to lean on one another for support as they await adoption. Is there room in your home for this remarkable pair?

1-year-old Blair came to the Woodland West Animal Hospital in Tulsa, Okla., after being shot. The stray remained at the hospital after her recovery because she had become so timid that finding a home for her was challenge, according to hospital director Mike Jones.

blind dog
Blair and Tanner

Her new best friend, Tanner, was sent to Woodland Hospital after his owner died. Blind and suffering from a seizure disorder, he was eventually transferred to Sooner Golden Retriever Rescue. The Oklahoma City based organization has struggled to find him a home since he came to them.

But of late, a remarkable development has bolstered the confidence of both dogs, giving them a sense of security and making them ideal candidates for a family with the room to adopt both.

“They absolutely have to be adopted together,” Jones said.  “But it’s going to take a special home with someone who understands their special relationship plus understands seizure disorder and is ready to take on the responsibility.”

That relationship was formed when, by chance, the two were introduced in the hospital’s play yard. When they met, something unexpected happened.

“One day they were exercising in a play yard together and they got together, Jones said.  “Blair all of a sudden seemed to realize that Tanner was blind and just started to help him around.”

Sensing Tanner’s uncertainty, Blair took the lead – literally – and began to carry Tanner’s leash, gently guiding him around the play yard. At the same time, hospital workers noted a pronounced change in Blair: the once frightened dog was gaining confidence in her new role as guide and moral supporter for her pal.

As if that weren’t remarkable enough, vets at the hospital noticed another positive development. Tanner’s seizures had mysteriously abated.

“His seizure disorder was really, really bad and nothing — no medications — seemed to be helping,” Jones said.  “Anytime he [Tanner] seizes he expresses his bowels. After two or three weeks, we realized Tanner wasn’t seizing anymore.  He’s not completely seizure free but it’s not constant anymore.”

Astounded by the immediate connection between the two dogs, hospital staff boarded Tanner and Blair together. Since then, the two have been inseparable.

“We’ve worked with a lot of different service dogs to provide these services for people,” said Jones. “But it’s the first time I’ve seen anything like this, the special relationship these two dogs have.”

Considering that special relationship, their caretakers are seeking a new home for Tanner and Blair, one that will allow them to live out their days together.

“The big thing about this is just finding the right home for Tanner and Blair, which is a very specific mission,” said Jones.  “This is not a typical adoption.  Tanner is only two-years-old.  We’re looking at probably ten years or so care for Tanner.”

The adoption application process is being handled by Sooner Golden Retriever Rescue. Should you have room in your home and your heart for this bonded pair, please contact SGRR via their website.