Blind pup has two seeing-eye dogs: her brothers

Kiaya, a 10-year-old Akita from Waterford, Michigan, went blind in both her eyes due to glaucoma.

Thanks to her two canine “brothers” — 8-year-old Cass and 2-year-old Keller, who now serve as her bodyguards and protectors — Kiaya can still get around.

The dogs lean on her to keep her steady during car rides. They let her eat first. They stand on each side of her, acting as seeing-eye dogs, as she explores her surroundings.

“Cass always allows Kiaya to get to her food dish first and waits for her to start eating,” said Jessica VanHusen, the dogs’ owner. “When I take them in the car, he leans against her to keep her steady because she sometimes gets a little off kilter. He also loves to groom her.”

VanHusen said that the dogs have been looking out for Kiaya since her left eye was removed in 2013. After she lost her second eye to glaucoma the following year, their protective behaviour became even more noticeable.

“It’s amazing to watch,” said Dr. Gwen Sila, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist with BluePearl Veterinary Partners hospital who performed Kiaya’s surgeries. “It’s clear the other dogs are trying to protect her. Their sense of loyalty is really remarkable.”

“They’re an inspiration to everyone,” said VanHusen. “I hope others will see them and realize that a special needs pet deserves a chance. It takes a little effort, but it’s absolutely worth it.”

In 2013, we shared the story of Jermaine and Jeffrey, lab-pit bull mix brothers who were found roaming the streets of Philadelphia. Animal welfare workers quickly determined that Jermaine was acting as Jeffrey’s eyes.

Watch their story below.

[video]