A woman who nominated her blind rescue dog for an award, was thrilled to discover her beloved lurcher named Scout had scooped the top prize of Petplan's Companion of the Year Award. Scout's owner, Tracey Ison, 52, entered the 12-year-old Scout into the competition to celebrate his brave nature and kindness towards her sister Donna Hendrie who recently lost an eye.
Tracey explained how Scout became "a lifeline" to her sister after getting a prosthetic eye resulted in Donna losing her confidence. Donna, 56 now wears an eye-patch with ease, however she initially struggled and felt nervous about the eye covering.
As reported by Mirror, Tracey said Scout gave Donna back her zest for life and showed her that "being different doesn't stop you from living." Tracey had no experience of owning a blind dog before Scout, but couldn't help falling for his lovable personality at East Midlands Dog Rescue in 2011.
The retired veterinary nurse opened her heart and home to Scout, who was almost put to sleep due to his disability. She says his blindness has never been an obstacle and that Scout "just gets on with life".
Tracey added: "It is so incredibly inspiring, he is very in tune and can work out pavements. It's rare anyone recognises that he's blind."
Tracey has altered her life to support the lovable Scout. She has moved her furniture to accommodate him around the home and taught him basic commands to avoid hazards.
"If we take him into a new room, he can work out the dimensions, jump on and off sofas, and walk up and down stairs. It's remarkable," she said.
The adorable lurcher has had heart failure for four years and Tracey's family count each day as a blessing. He's not expected to make it longer than 12 years, but the impact he's had in his 12-year lifetime has been "more than enough".
"He is the bravest dog and a little ray of sunshine. He makes you laugh and smile but will also just be there if you're struggling," Tracey said.
"People fall for him instantly. He's touched the lives of strangers in ways I've never seen."
Following the loss of his own eye, his presence helped Donna "feel 10 feet tall" and he was the first one to get her out of the house after her operation. "He's not just my companion, he's offered friendships to so many people.
"His whole life has been about giving back," Tracey said. Scout has worked as a therapy dog, ran dog shows, meet and greets, been to Crufts, supported anti-puppy farming campaigns and launched charity foundations.
His claim to fame was starring on BBC One's 'Home Is Where The Art Is' in 2020. "When we first adopted him, we were told that he wouldn't live for long and we promised to give him the best life possible," Tracey said.
"But he's lived a million and one lives. When he does go, I'll know that we've served him well."
Scout will leave behind a huge legacy and Tracey hopes he's inspired other dog lovers to rehome unwanted pups with disabilities. "They can bring so much into your home and teach you so many lessons," Tracey added.
"Dogs like Scout are at the bottom of the wanted list, but he doesn't know he's got issues and we could all learn a thing or two from him."
