Cocker Spaniel Who Lost Sight and Job Due to Glaucoma Clings to Life Through Smell

Hero, a cocker spaniel living in the town of Clevedon in North Somerset, England, readapted to life after losing both eyes to glaucoma by receiving scent training.

Hero's owners, Jane Stuart Brown and Rob Grubb, stated that the dog went through an initially introverted and anxious period after completely losing his sight in July. Having started working with dog trainer Lucy Shipway following this major change, Hero received scent training based on finding hidden odors. By using his sense of smell to the highest level, the dog began comfortably navigating his environment and resuming his former activities.

The health ordeal began in January when the dog became lethargic and his eye started discharging. Taken to the Rowe Eye Clinic in Bristol Bradley Stoke, Hero was diagnosed with glaucoma by veterinary ophthalmologist Fergus Cronk. Due to the high pressure caused by poor fluid drainage inside the eye leading to severe pain, his first eye was removed, and seven months later, after showing the same symptoms in his other eye, he completely lost his sight. His owners and trainer expressed their satisfaction with Hero's resilience and adaptability throughout this process.