Golden retriever Tao, 11, from Somerset lost his eyesight last year but he now has his own 'guide dog' Oko, aged just 16 weeks. An adorable video shows the pair out on a walk together.
An adorable puppy in Somerset has taken on the role of ‘guide dog’ for his blind retriever buddy. The Ailing retriever , Tao, 11, sadly lost his eyesight to glaucoma last year which prompted his owner to seek out him a furry friend.
Oko was introduced to Tao when he was only eight-weeks-old and that they have formed ‘the sweetest bond’. A video shows the inseparable duo from Shepton Mallet, Somerset, walking together and therefore, the pair also enjoy playing a game of tug of war. An adorable 16-week-old puppy in Somerset called Oko (pictured right) has taken on the role of ‘guide dog’ for his blind retriever buddy, Tao, 11 (left) ‘Guide dog’ Oko, who is now 16 weeks old, is that the perfect companion for Tao who needs guiding on walks.
Owner Melanie Jackson said: ‘Tao was diagnosed with glaucoma, which is when the attention has an irregular drainage angle and can't drain away the fluid. ‘It all happened so fast as he was fine in the morning but on the evening he was shaking his head which suggested he's in pain. ‘Five hours later, he was blind and his eye was removed! Tao, 11, sadly lost his eyesight to glaucoma last year and had his second eye removed in January this year, leaving him blind
Melanie Jackson, owner of Shepton Mallet, Somerset said ‘guide dog’ Puppy Oko is the perfect companion for Tao who needs guidance ‘We were told, his second eye will need removing to but we were ready to control the pressure for a couple of weeks by applying eye drops.’ Tao was taught new commands for when he would be blind and his second eye was removed in January this year.
Despite being happy and ready to walk off the lead, Melanie says something was still missing. The pair were introduced when Oko just eight-weeks-old and that they have formed ‘the sweetest bond’ They have become the simplest of friends and luxuriate in happening walks and playing tug of war together ‘We were pleasantly surprised when Tao began walking up and down the steps just three days after his operation,’ she said.
‘But I just felt like he needed a buddy to assist him and play with him now that he cannot see.
‘We got Oko at eight-weeks-old and that they have formed the sweetest bond. ‘Tao follows him around the fields and that they roll in the hay one another .
‘We are in the process of coaching Tao to succeed Oko, so he doesn’t get in the way of any danger.’