I adopted Peter, a blind, 4-month old Chihuahua/terrier mix from the San Francisco SPCA in November 2008. I actually went to the shelter to look at another dog I had seen online but when I saw Peter and saw he was visually impaired, I fell in love. He was born with micro opthalmia which means his eyeballs didn’t full develop. I wanted to get another dog to keep my other dog, Spike, company after my older dog passed away earlier in the year. Peter adapted so quickly to his new surroundings. He almost immediately found his way around without bumping into things (though he occasionally still does if he’s excited and not paying attention). He chases Spike around the house and the yard, running as fast as he can and he somehow manages to track her. They get along wonderfully. He has no idea he’s blind and though I had my moments of feeling sorry for him when I first got him, I quickly learned to realize that it doesn’t bother him at all and now I sometimes forget he’s blind. I bring Peter to work sometimes and if I don’t tell folks he’s blind, when they do find out, they can’t believe it. I’ve grown up with dogs my entire life and Peter is no more work than any other puppy I’ve ever had. I’m so glad I got him because he brings so much joy into my life. I can’t imagine my life without him now. To anyone considering adopting a blind dog; I saw go for it. 

Story by Susan Anderson