A blind dog has found a best friend who will care for his every need and help him navigate the world without sight.
Blaze the German shepherd cross became blind in 2020, but thankfully Satin the cat has learnt to 'talk' to him at home.
Robin Wagner, 28, adopted Blaze in 2019 and the first check-up revealed he had problems with his vision.
Vets diagnosed the rescue pup as blind in one eye and warned he had lens issues in the other that would deteriorate over time.
But guide cat Satin took it all in her stride and, after getting used to being stood on by her bigger flatmate, the pair became inseparable.
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Blaze was recommended surgery in order to preserve his sight and prevent glaucoma, but in October 2020, he went fully blind and had his right eye removed two months later.
Robin, a preschool teacher from Burlington, Vermont, said: "Blaze going blind caused a huge regression in his social anxiety. He became very anxious and reactive.
"We had to do a lot of work with trainers to help him gain his confidence back."
Blaze and Satin soon became best friends, but his disability sparked some issues between them.
Robin explained: "Satin enjoys rubbing herself against his long legs, much like a cat does against a table or chair. Once Blaze totally lost vision though, she was getting stepped on a lot."
But then Robin noticed something incredible - "a beautiful new change".
She added: "Both the cat and the dog like to hang out in our bed with us. When Blaze would jump up, Satin would go barrelling out of the room before he stomped on her.
"But over time, we noticed Satin staying in her spot and giving Blaze a nice loud meow. He'd stop himself, and walk around her."
The little black cat continued to use this tactic around the rest of the house.
She would meow and chirp to help the 80lbs dog avoid collisions.
Robin furthered: "Every time he'd be walking towards her, she would meow. She would meow and he would stop and redirect himself."
And it seems like having this friend through such a difficult time was important to Blaze. It appeared to help him feel less isolated.
Robin added: "I think Blaze going blind caused Satin and Blaze to become closer.
"Before going blind they were more like ships passing in the night. Now, they take opportunities to acknowledge each other.
"While she isn't the most affectionate and cuddliest of cats with us, she for sure tells Blaze she loves him, and it's the most beautiful thing to see."
Can your dog do any unusual tricks? Get in touch with nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
