A cute puppy in Somerset has taken on the role of ‘guide dog’ for his blind golden retriever buddy.
The sick golden retriever, Tao, 11, sadly lost his eyesight to glaucoma last year, leaving his owner to find him a furry friend.
Oko was introduced to Tao when he was only eight weeks old and they formed ‘the sweetest bond’.
A video shows the inseparable duo from Shepton Mallet, Somerset, walking together and the couple also enjoy playing a game of tug of war.
An adorable 16 week old puppy in Somerset named Oko (pictured right) has taken on the role of ‘guide dog’ for his blind golden retriever buddy, Tao, 11 (left)
‘Guide Dog’ Oko, now 16 weeks old, is the perfect companion for Tao who needs guidance on walks.
Owner Melanie Jackson said, “Tao has been diagnosed with glaucoma, which means the eye has an irregular discharge angle and the fluid cannot drain.
It all happened so quickly that he was fine in the morning, but at night he shook his head, suggesting he was in pain.
Five hours later he was blind and his eye was removed!
Tao, 11, sadly lost his vision due to glaucoma last year and had his second eye removed in January this year, leaving him completely blind
Owner Melanie Jackson from Shepton Mallet, Somerset said ‘guide dog’ puppy Oko is the perfect companion for Tao who needs guidance on walks
“We were told to have his second eye removed, but we were able to control the pressure for a few weeks by applying eye drops.”
Tao learned new commands for when he would be totally blind and his second eye was removed in January of this year.
Despite being happy and able to walk off the lead, Melanie said something was still missing.
The pair were introduced when Oko was just eight weeks old and they formed the sweetest bond
They have become best friends and enjoy going for walks and tug of war together
“We were pleasantly surprised when Tao started walking up and down the stairs just three days after his surgery,” she said.
“But I just felt like he needed a buddy to help him out and play with him now that he can’t see anymore.
‘We got Oko when we were eight weeks old and they formed the sweetest bond.
Tao follows him through the fields and they sleep together.
“We’re training Tao to follow Oko so he doesn’t get in the way of any danger.”
