It isn’t easy to lose one of your senses, as Tao the Golden Retriever knows all too well. He had excellent eyesight and a perfect life for almost 11 years. However, as he grew older, he developed glaucoma, which eventually took away his vision completely.
Tao gradually learned to navigate without his eyesight, but his humans tried to make the process as easy as possible for him. As a result, they got him his seeing-eye puppy, Oko. The two Golden Retriever brothers are now inseparable.
Melanie Jackson, Tao and Oko’s mother, said Tao’s blindness came on suddenly. He was fine in the morning when it happened, but later on, he kept shaking his head as though he was in pain. He was at the vet’s office five hours later, where they discovered he was blind. That day, one of his eyes was also removed.
Even though the vets suggested euthanasia, Jackson declined to take that path. Tao’s family will go to any length to ensure that he is safe, comfortable, and stable without sight. Jackson didn’t mind the extra expense or effort because Tao is a member of her family.
After that, Tao held his second eye for a few weeks. Jackson kept his eye pressure under control by giving him eye drops regularly. She prepared him for life without sight during that period.
She showed him how to get about without relying on his vision. He was a pro at getting around on his own by the time his second eye was removed.
Also, specialists, however, need assistance from time to time. Jackson didn’t want Tao to have to deal with any difficulties, so she chose Oko. Daily, Oko will provide Tao with companionship and security.
Oko fell in love with Tao as soon as he moved in with his new family. The puppy follows his big brother around and, when necessary, even leads him around on a leash. Plus, with his baby brother by his side, Tao seems to be happier than ever.
And Jackson was right. Having Oko around brightened Tao’s mood and made him feel safer. They enjoy running around in fields together and even taking naps together.
Their friendship is deeply endearing. Oko is about 16 weeks old now, and every day he is learning to be a better guide dog for his brother.
All photos courtesy of @tao_mr_winky/Instagram
