What Happens When A Seeing Eye Dog Goes Blind?

Opal and Edward Seeing Eye Dogs

It’s something that any dog owner dreads–the vision loss of their beloved pet. But for Graham Waspe of Stowmarket, England, his dog Edward’s vision loss was especially traumatic.

You see, Edward is Waspe’s seeing eye dog.

After six years of loyal service, Edward, an 8-year old Yellow Labrador, was diagnosed with inoperable cataracts and had to have his eyes removed.

Waspe, 60, who lost one eye and has partial sight in the other, was devastated for his longtime canine companion.

“If it was a person or a child you could at least explain to them what was going to happen,” Waspe said.

“In the case of an animal, of course, you can’t, so we found that side of it very traumatic”

Waspe’s wife Sandra said the couple “cried and cried” once they learned that Edward would have to undergo surgery.

However, this story does have a happy ending.

Enter Opal, another Yellow Labrador trained as a guide dog, who is now not only Waspe’s new seeing eye dog but also Edward’s loyal companion.

“They’ve become quite good friends and get on happily together,” said Waspe. “There are certain times I’m sure where Opal will help and Edward is happier by having another dog around.”

And Edward seemed to cope better than his owners anticipated – the commands of “left” and “right” he learned to guide Waspe proved handy in helping him adjust to life without sight.

“He’s just the same old Edward, except I have to say sometimes ‘Mind your head Edward,'” Sandra said.

The couple plans to return the loyalty Edward showed them.

“We just wouldn’t want to leave him,” Graham Waspe said.

They plan to care for the pooch “until the day that either we go or he goes.”

By Elaine Furst For Dog Files

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Andrea Layne Black
Andrea Layne Black
13 years ago

Great story; love positive doggie tales, they make my day! Thanks!

Nikdaisypem
Nikdaisypem
13 years ago

I love this story, the dog is such a loyal animal, it is their nature to be companion animals, either to other dogs or people, Edward worked for his masters and was loyal, only fitting loyalty should be shown to him, in his time of need…..I would rather have my two dogs, than any person…..they are without hate, and show unflinching love!!!!!!! I love doggies….I wish Edward and his Opal a long and very happy life!!!!

Katie Skaats
13 years ago

What a beautiful story! Dog bless Edward and Opal and the Waspes!

Cjustpeachie
Cjustpeachie
13 years ago

WHAT AN UNBELIEVEABLEY TOUCHING STORY. MAY GOD BLESS EDWARD, OPAL AND THE WASPES WITH LONG HAPPY LIVES TOGETHER.

Lisaltu
Lisaltu
13 years ago

Speechless….

Michael Haslam
13 years ago

Heartwarming.

D Taylor-French
13 years ago

Thanks for sharing this story. I love their lifelong love of their dog. The concept of being a dog parent not a dog owner is one I blog about for kids & dog lovers at Dog Leader Mysteries.

Organic Dog Treats
12 years ago

Ouch…! I’ve no words to express my feeling. A totally black world ahead, my god. No play, no enjoyment horrible.

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