Rosie is an adorable six-week-old golden retriever puppy who loves to run around and play outside. But there is just one thing different about this furry little friend. At two weeks old, when all her siblings’ eyes were all opened, Rosie’s eyes remained closed.
Judy Essman, who was Rosie’s owner took her to see a veterinarian. They soon would learn that Rosie had an infection that caused her to be born blind. This was the first time in the 13 years of breeding that Essman had a puppy born without their eyesight.
Being blind as a puppy wasn’t easy. While the other puppies in her litter were able to run around and play, Rosie’s life was a little more challenging.
“At about three to four weeks old they begin walking around, playing, going outside,” she said. “But Rosie would stumble into the water dish or bump her head into things. It was really hard for me at first to let her test by trial and error, but she has to learn or she will be dependent on me for the rest of her life.”
However, with time, Rosie’s other senses became stronger. By smelling and hearing she was soon able to adapt and learn her surroundings. Before long, she ran and played right alongside her siblings as if it was nothing new.
Despite being unable to see the world, Rosie is not letting her disability stop her from doing great things. Rosie is currently in training for a very big role: to be a future service dog.
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