Blind Dog Sees Family Again After Surgery To Restore Sight

When Benjamin May’s dog went blind from diabetes, it was devastating for both the dog and his owner.

According to May’s posting on reddit, 9-year-old Irish terrier Duffy is a dog with his fair share of health problems. The dog, who was rescued by May’s family, had always had liver problems and needs to be fed a special diet. When Duffy started peeing in the house though, May and his family knew something was wrong with their dog.

Duffy’s vet was able to determine that the dog’s body wasn’t breaking down sugars, and that he had essentially become diabetic. Despite twice daily insulin injections, the diabetes got worse, and with it, so did Duffy’s eyesight.

“It broke my heart,” May said, “seeing this dog I grew up with, who I see as a very good friend… running into things, not being able to recognize me.”

Describing the progressive decline of his dog’s health, he said that “within about 3-5 months he went from a totally normal 8 year old dog to a dog who was completely blind.”

The Pennsylvania family committed fully to their dog’s recovery though. Treating the diabetes with insulin, they were able to stabilize the dog’s blood sugar enough that doctors said they could try restorative surgery on his eyes.

“If we didn’t do it then they said he would be blind for life,” May said, adding “Thankfully the surgery was a success.”

In the video, Duffy can be seen darting around the room, overcome with happiness to see his family as he wags his tail. Duffy’s owners can be heard cheering their dog from off camera as he whines with excitement.

“I can only imagine what went through his mind that one day it went black…..and then suddenly he can see everyone again….. I can’t wait to get home over Christmas so my dog can see me for the first time in two years,’ May said, according to MailOnline.

Duffy isn’t the only blind dog being talked about lately though. As The Inquisitr reported, a video of a blind dog named Keller went viral after people saw his unusual method of playing fetch: following voice commands from his owners to find the ball he is seeking.

The surgery to repair Duffy’s blindness cost $5,000, and the dog’s monthly insulin costs around $350.

“I know most people will that that was a waste of money but whatever. He’s happy and he makes us happy,” May said of his now formerly-blind dog, adding “he’s family to us, you can’t put a price on family.”

[Image via MailOnline]