After Losing Sight, Seeing Eye Dog Gets Guide of His Own

After Graham Waspe's guide dog Edward lost his sight, Waspe got a new dog to lead them both around.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on March 21 2011

Graham Waspe of Stowmarket, England had relied on the vision and guidance of his yellow Labrador seeing eye dog, Edward, for more than six years. But when Edward developed cataracts, the dog needed to have his eyes removed. Suddenly, his vision was even darker than that of his owner, and he found himself fumbling to get around.

“If it was a person or a child you could at least explain to them what was going to happen,” Waspe told the BBC. “In the case of an animal, of course, you can’t, so we found that side of it very traumatic.”

Obviously, Edward wouldn’t be up for his old job anymore—but instead of casting him aside, Waspe rewarded him for the great service he’d provided over the years. He got another guide dog, Opal, who now helps both Waspe and Edward make their way through the darkness.

Opal and Edward have “become quite good friends and get on happily together,” said Waspe. “There are certain times I’m sure where Opal will help and Edward is happier by having another dog around.”

Edward didn’t take long to adjust to life without sight, and now seems as happy as ever.

“He’s just the same old Edward, except I have to say sometimes ‘Mind your head Edward,’” said Graham’s wife, Sandra Waspe.

Filed under: Animals and Pets,

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