It’s hard to lose one of your senses, as Tao the Golden Retriever knows all too well. He had perfect eyesight and a perfect life for almost 11 years. But as he grew older, he developed glaucoma, which eventually took away his sight completely.
Tao gradually learned to move without seeing, but his humans wanted to make the transition as easy as possible for him. So they got him his own guide dog, Oko. The two Golden Retriever brothers have become great friends!
Melanie Jackson, mother of Tao and Oko, claimed that Tao’s blindness occurred unexpectedly. The day it happened, he was fine in the morning, but then he shook his head constantly, as if he was in pain. He arrived at the vet five hours later, where they discovered that he was blind. That same day one of his eyes was removed.
Although veterinarians suggested euthanasia, Jackson refused to go down that route. If Tao could be safe, happy, and healthy without sight, his family would do everything they could to ensure that. Jackson didn’t mind the cost or extra effort because Tao is a member of his family.
Tao kept his second eye for several weeks after that. Jackson kept his eye pressure under control by regularly applying eye drops. She was preparing him for life without seeing at that moment. She showed him how to walk without relying on her vision. As a result, by the time his second eye was removed, he was already an expert at moving on his own.
However, even specialists need help from time to time. Jackson didn’t want Tao to have to fight, so he chose Oko. Oko would give Tao company and protection on a regular basis.
Oko fell in love with Tao as soon as he moved in with his new family. The puppy follows his older brother everywhere and even walks him on a leash when necessary. Plus, Tao seems happier than ever with his little brother by his side.
“We were delighted when Tao started walking up and down stairs just three days after his surgery,” Jackson added. “But I just felt like he needed someone to help him and play with now that he can’t see.”
And Jackson was right. Tao’s emotions rose and he felt safer with Oko around. They like to run together in the countryside and even take a nap next to each other. Their friendship is very beautiful. Oko is now about 16 weeks old and is constantly learning how to be a better guide dog for his brother.
Tao and Oko even have their own Instagram account, where Jackson posts cute pictures and videos. Keep up to date with them to see what they’re up to!
