Here’s a longer version of Blaze’s story:
Robin Wagner and her boyfriend from Burlington, Vermont, had been on a long search for the perfect dog, and after numerous attempts, they found themselves enamored with Blaze, a German Shepherd/Greyhound mix, when they came across his adoption profile online. It was love at first sight for Robin—Blaze seemed like the perfect match for their family.
However, their initial excitement was tempered by unexpected revelations once Blaze came home. One of the first surprises was Blaze’s dental health. Robin shared with GeoBeats Animals, “We didn’t even know about the teeth before he came home. That was a glorious surprise.” It was clear that Blaze’s new family would need to address some issues beyond just providing him with love.
Things took another turn when they discovered Blaze’s vision problems. Although the adoption information had suggested that his sunken eyes were not indicative of vision issues, a visit to a veterinary ophthalmologist revealed that Blaze was completely blind in his right eye and required surgery to attempt to save what remained of his vision in his left eye. Unfortunately, despite their hopes, the surgery did not succeed, and Blaze became blind in both eyes.
The news was disheartening, but Robin and her boyfriend were committed to Blaze’s well-being. They adapted to his new condition with a remarkable level of patience and love. “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 not also blind in his left eye,” Robin explained. Blaze faced this significant change with incredible grace, quickly learning to navigate his world despite his blindness.
Blaze’s journey didn’t end with his blindness. His physical health also required considerable attention. When he first arrived, Blaze was underweight at 50 pounds, but with dedicated care, he eventually reached a healthy 80 pounds. After achieving physical stability, Robin and her boyfriend turned their focus to Blaze’s behavior. The blindness had led to a regression in his confidence, making him anxious and reactive.
To help Blaze adjust, they worked closely with a trainer to rebuild his confidence and help him feel more secure. Communicating with Blaze became a key part of their approach, as they needed to reassure him and reduce his anxiety in a world he could no longer see. Despite the challenging training process, Robin found it to be incredibly 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, reflecting on their journey together.
Blaze’s story is not only about overcoming physical and emotional challenges but also about the power of companionship. Their cat, Satin, has become an unexpected but invaluable part of Blaze’s life. Satin serves as Blaze’s guide cat, using meows and chirps to alert him of her presence and help him avoid obstacles. “Every time he’d be walking towards her, she would meow. She would meow, and he would stop and redirect himself,” Robin noted. It’s a touching example of how animals can support each other, adding another layer of warmth to Blaze’s story.
Blaze’s daily adventures and his bond with Satin are lovingly shared on his Instagram profile, offering a glimpse into the life of a dog who, despite his hardships, is surrounded by love and care. Robin and her boyfriend’s journey with Blaze is a testament to the resilience of both pets and their owners, showcasing the profound impact of unconditional love and commitment.
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