Dogs are incredible, and we love them so much that we are willing to do whatever they need to live their best lives. In fact, one devoted dog mom went above and beyond, becoming a “pseudo guide dog” for her beloved Cocker Spaniel Molly, who suffered from hyper-mature cataracts as she aged.
But once her condition was advanced enough, the removal surgery was absolutely life-changing for both Molly and her mom.
Molly came into her mom’s life when she was only 12 weeks old. The pair have been inseparable for 14 beautiful years, especially enjoying their daily walks through a local nature preserve. But when Molly started to experience the distressing effects of advancing cataracts, walking became incredibly dangerous. As cataracts develop, they shroud the lens of the eye and impair vision, eventually leading to complete blindness.
“She just couldn’t be walked off the lead anymore. I had to guide her around the house and up the stairs. In the end she’d just sit in one place as she was frightened of hitting things. All I’d hear every now and again was this yelping,” said Michelle.
As her cataracts got worse, Molly really started to struggle in her daily life. The dog who once followed her mom all over the house and enjoyed long daily walks suddenly became withdrawn and afraid. But who can blame her after she accidentally tumbled down the stairs? Plus, she had an unpleasant encounter with the lake at the nature preserve the pair frequently visited together.
Molly has always avoided water, so finding herself unexpectedly falling into a lake was quite upsetting! The poor pup was terrified and trembling as her mother raced to remove her from the water. After this is when Michelle fully committed to being Molly’s full-time guide. She did everything she could to help Molly navigate her way around their shared home.
“I tried not to move any furniture and didn’t even put a Christmas tree up, but she’d walk straight into walls. I mean those aren’t moving,” said Michelle.
When Michelle initially took Molly to see her veterinarian, she was told to wait until her cataracts were more advanced before proceeding with removal surgery. So until then, Michelle wanted to do everything she could to make Molly comfortable.
So when she brought Molly to the vet, and they confirmed that she was now suffering from hyper-mature cataracts, Michelle was relieved to know that her best furry friend could finally have this life-changing surgery.
Michelle was a little worried about her senior dog having surgery, but her vet explained that she was an excellent candidate. Plus, Molly’s mom was completely committed to doing everything she could to improve Molly’s remaining years.
When Michelle arrived to pick up her best friend from surgery, and her previously blind pup immediately ran right up to her, she knew it had been a success! Michelle was so glad she had followed her heart and fully committed to doing everything she could to help Molly live her best life. After being a faithful furry sidekick for an incredible 14 years, it was the least her mom could do to return the favor.
Featured Image: Facebook
Toledo, United States.
