‘Death row’ dog’s given my autistic girl new life
A BLIND dog taken to the vets to be put to sleep is enjoying a new lease of life as an autistic girl’s best friend.
Cocker Spaniel Stevie, named after singer Stevie Wonder, was dumped by a breeder due to his limited eyesight.
But the Dog’s Trust took him in and helped pay for him to have a rare double cataract operation with Eye Vet Referrals.
Stevie, two, was adopted by Vickie Tatlow, 47, of Greater Manchester, who says he has transformed the life of her autistic daughter Tegan.
The 18-year-old was housebound and barely spoke until Stevie moved in. The pair now share an inseparable bond.
Full-time carer Vickie said: ‘It is wonderful. They’re like best friends.
‘Stevie dotes on Tegan and follows her everywhere. Now she’s up early every morning to take him for a walk.
‘She puts drops in his eyes six times a day, plus, he gets lots of kisses and cuddles. They’re so happy.’
She said Stevie required round-the-clock care when he moved in, and this helped him and Tegan to grow ‘close’.
‘Tegan patiently taught him to play fetch, throwing a ball a couple of feet away so he could find it. This developed into Stevie going on longer walks. Now he’s had the operation, his milky eyes
are totally clear. He’s now loving life.’ Vickie, who also lives with husband Andy, 50, and son Harry, 14, said Tegan’s confidence has also soared as a result.
‘Tegan loves animals and has signed up for a course on equine care,’ she added. ‘She struggled at school because she couldn’t speak to other people or be in a crowded area. Now, she’s attending college, which is terrific.’