Robin Wagner, from Burlington, Vermont, and her boyfriend had been on a long quest to find the perfect dog. Success seemed elusive until Robin stumbled upon Blaze’s adoption profile online. Instantly, she felt a deep connection—it was love at first picture.
A Surprise with Every Step
Photo Credit: blindboyblaze
Once Blaze, a German Shepherd/Greyhound mix, was home, the surprises began. “We didn’t even know about his teeth before he came home. That was a glorious surprise,” Robin shared with GeoBeats Animals. Yet, the teeth were merely the first of many surprises.
Although Blaze’s adoption profile mentioned his sunken eyes, they were assured he had no vision problems. However, a visit to a veterinary ophthalmologist revealed that Blaze was completely blind in his right eye and needed surgery to save any vision in his left.
Facing the Unseen Challenges
Photo Credit: blindboyblaze
Post-surgery, things took a turn for the worse. “About two weeks post-surgery, I was on a walk with Blaze, and he just started to walk into everything. I rushed him back to the ophthalmologist only to find surgery was not successful, and Blaze was now blind in his left eye too,” Robin recounted. Despite this setback, Blaze adapted remarkably, navigating his new world with surprising grace.
Blaze had to have his right eye removed due to repeated infections, a change that was harder for Robin to accept than for Blaze. “I think I was more put off by the change than he was,” she admitted.
Building a New Life
Photo Credit: blindboyblaze
Blaze’s journey to health was long and arduous. Initially, he weighed only 50 pounds, but with care, he reached a healthier 80 pounds. With his physical health under control, Robin and her boyfriend turned their focus to his behavior. “We’re working very closely with a trainer to help Blaze feel a little less apprehensive about the world,” Robin explained.
Blaze’s blindness caused a significant drop in his confidence, making him anxious and reactive. To help him adjust, they communicated more with him, easing his anxiety. The training 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 declared.
The Guide Cat
Photo Credit: blindboyblaze
Their cat, Satin, took on the role of Blaze’s guide, using meows and chirps to warn him of obstacles. “Every time he’d be walking towards her, she would meow, and he would stop and redirect himself,” Robin shared with People. Though Satin isn’t the cuddliest cat, her actions show her love for Blaze.
You can follow Blaze and Satin’s daily adventures on Blaze’s Instagram profile, where their unique bond and journey continue to inspire many.
