Dog That Lost Sight While Military Dad Was On Deployment Lights Up When He Returns Home

A dog who suddenly went blind while her owner was on deployment in the Middle East excitedly jumped into his arms with glee as soon as she recognized he’d finally returned home. Blake Crowe, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, is inseparable from his eight-year-old black Labrador, Weatherby, who he adopted while stationed in Alaska many years ago. When Blake, 35, a tech sergeant with the U.S Air Force, was deployed in March, the separation from wife Ashlei and Weatherby was tough, and in July, Weatherby started acting strangely. She started bumping into walls and walked into a bush while outside, so Ashlei immediately called a local vet and took Weatherby in the very next day. After a few visits, Weatherby was diagnosed with Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS), a rare eye condition in dogs causing sudden and permanent blindness. With there being no known cure but Weatherby still showing a clean bill of health, Ashlei helped the pooch get used to her new way of life while the pair waited for Blake to return home. On October 14, as Blake walked through the door, he was worried she wouldn’t remember him, but Weatherby immediately caught a scent and turned to investigate – heading slowly towards it. She quickly remembered the familiar smell, and as soon as she realized her owner was home, started wagging her tail with excitement, before sharing a big hug and laying her head on Blake's shoulder.

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