It’s difficult to lose one of your senses, as Tao the Golden Retriever knows all too well. He had perfect eyesight and a perfect life for almost 11 years. But as he got older, he developed glaucoma, which eventually took away his sight completely.
Tao gradually learned to move around without his sight, but his humans wanted to make the transition as easy as possible for him. So they got him his very own seeing eye dog, Oko. The two Golden Retriever brothers have become the greatest of friends!
Transitioning to a New Life
Melanie Jackson, Tao and Oko’s mother, stated that Tao’s blindness occurred unexpectedly. On the day it happened, he was fine in the morning, but later, he shook his head constantly, as if in pain. He arrived at the vet five hours later, where they discovered he was blind. That same day, one of his eyes was removed.
Even though the vets suggested euthanasia, Jackson refused to go that route. If Tao could be safe, happy, and healthy without sight, his family would go to any length to ensure it. Jackson didn’t mind the extra cost or effort because Tao is a member of her family.
Tao retained his second eye for several weeks after that. Jackson kept his eye pressure under control by giving him eye drops on a regular basis. She was preparing him for life without sight at the moment. She showed him how to walk about without relying on his vision. As a result, by the time his second eye was removed, he was an expert at moving around on his own.
However, even specialists require assistance from time to time. Jackson didn’t want Tao to have to struggle, which is why she chose Oko. Oko would give Tao with company and protection on a regular basis.
Oko Helps His Brother
Oko fell in love with Tao as soon as he moved in with his new family. The puppy follows his older brother everywhere and even walks him on a leash when necessary. Furthermore, Tao appears to be happier than ever with his infant sibling at his side.
“We were pleasantly delighted when Tao started walking up and down the stairs only three days after his surgery,” Jackson added. “But I simply felt like he needed someone to help him and play with now that he can’t see.”
And Jackson was correct. Tao’s emotions were raised and he felt safer with Oko nearby. They like running around in fields together and even napping next to one other. Their friendship is very lovely. Oko is now around 16 weeks old, and he is constantly learning how to be a better guide dog for his brother.
