Blind pit bull regain her eyesight and sees her beloved foster parents for the first time
Hazel’s Heartwarming Journey: From Abandoned Pit Bull to a Sight-Restored Survivor
Every dog deserves to feel safe, loved, and cared for throughout their lives. Sadly, not every pup gets this chance. Hazel, a pit bull with a heartwarming story of survival and recovery, is a testament to the resilience of dogs and the power of compassionate foster care.
Hazel’s Rocky Start
In May 2020, Hazel’s life took a tragic turn when she was abandoned by her owners. Arriving at Mr. Bones & Co. and Rescue the Runway, Hazel was in dire condition. At eight to nine years old, she was emaciated and battling severe complications from diabetes. The shelter described her situation as grim: “She came to us after a life of backyard breeding, a blind senior struggling with diabetic ketoacidosis which almost took her life.”
Blind due to juvenile diabetes, Hazel had spent most of her life without sight, navigating the world through her remaining senses. The repeated breeding she endured further compounded her hardships. Yet, despite these overwhelming obstacles, Hazel proved to be a strong survivor, capturing the hearts of the staff at Mr. Bones & Co. and Rescue the Runway.
A New Hope
Fortunately, Hazel’s story took a turn for the better when her plight reached Elli and Sam, a compassionate couple who stepped forward to foster her. They were determined to provide Hazel with a safe and supportive environment. “When we heard Hazel was blind, we wanted to make sure we did some research,” they told The Dodo. They created a carefully designed space with safety features to help Hazel navigate without injury, using sound cues and signals to guide her.
Under Elli and Sam’s care, Hazel began to thrive. She adapted to her new surroundings and gradually regained her confidence, playing joyfully and wagging her tail. Although she was making strides, Hazel still needed further support before finding her forever home.
A Miraculous Transformation
In the summer of 2020, Hazel’s life experienced another remarkable shift. She met her next foster parents, Allison and Pete, who continued the crucial work started by Elli and Sam. Allison and Pete were not only devoted to Hazel’s well-being but also were part of a pivotal moment in her recovery: her eye surgery.
Hazel was scheduled for bilateral cataract surgery with artificial lens implantation in October 2020. The surgery aimed to restore her vision, and it was a life-changing event. “Mr. Bones & Co. put out a message that Hazel needed a home. But also, that at some point, within the timing that we were going to have her, she was going to go in for surgery to restore her sight,” Allison shared.
The surgery was successful, and after a period of post-operative care, Hazel’s reunion with her foster parents was an emotional highlight. Seeing her beloved caregivers for the first time after regaining her sight was a touching and unforgettable moment.
A New Chapter for Hazel
Post-surgery, Hazel’s care included administering eye drops and providing continued love and support. Allison took on this task with dedication, ensuring Hazel’s recovery was smooth and comfortable. The months following the surgery saw Hazel adjusting beautifully to her restored vision.
In early 2021, Hazel’s journey culminated in a joyous adoption. She found a forever home with a loving family in Massachusetts, where she now lives with her new family, Onalie, John, and their canine brother, Cooper. According to the rescue center, Hazel is “living her best life,” a testament to her incredible resilience and the dedicated care she received along the way.
Conclusion
Hazel’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and the transformative power of love and care. From her early struggles to her miraculous recovery, Hazel’s journey underscores the importance of giving every dog the chance to live a safe and fulfilling life.
Explore more inspiring rescue stories and learn how you can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
