LILLY, THE SEEING EYE WESTIE! |
(as told by owner Kathy Smith)
Poor little Ivy, the Miniature Schnauzer who had always been meek and mild-mannered, was losing
her eyesight. After several appointments with our veterinarian, we finally consulted with an ophthalmic veterinarian. He told us Ivy’s eyes were no longer producing tears but there
was a chance he could save her sight by rerouting her saliva glands through her eyes.
Because Ivy’s eyes needed to be healthier for this surgery, we were sent home with drops and ointments. We dutifully put the medications in her
eyes hourly. In fact, Ivy even went to first grade in a baby sack and helped the
children learn to tell time as they waited for the
hour to pass so the drops could be administered to her sore, swollen eyes.
At home, her “sister” Lilly, a loving West Highland
White Terrier, waited. They had been constant companions and now Lilly stood ready to be Ivy’s eyes. As soon as Ivy
returned home from first grade, Lilly kept vigil. When Ivy walked, Lilly walked, right beside her. If Ivy needed to go outside,
Lilly led her into the yard. When
Ivy slept, Lilly slept beside her. This little Westie never left Ivy’s side. She became her eyes.
The weeks passed and Ivy’s
eyes became strong enough for the delicate surgery.
Once Ivy returned home, Lilly again served as her guide. She led Ivy to
her water bowl and stood beside her as she ate. Lilly kept a watchful eye on
the recovering Ivy.
We are happy to report that Ivy’s surgery was a success.
She is now a seeing dog – thanks in part to her Westie Seeing Eye Dog!
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