Last updated: 22 Jul, 2019
Published on: 30 May, 2017
Barney got to see his new family before losing his sight
When Barney was found wandering the streets in Geelong, both his eyes were badly affected by glaucoma. One was so advanced that it had to be removed, and the prognosis for his remaining eye was not positive. He was placed in a foster home, but his foster carer was worried he may lose vision completely before he found his new home.
Fortunately, Barney was listed on the PetRescue website and, pretty soon, he got noticed by Sarah who gave him the perfect forever home. Today, his adorable face features in the 2017 PetRescue Calendar. This is his story...
Sarah was living happily with Archie the golden retriever and Ted the King Charles spaniel, and wasn’t looking to bring another dog into her life. That was until she saw Barney on her Facebook feed.
“Our dog Ted is deaf and also requires eye drops twice daily for dry eye, so we’re accustomed to caring for a dog with special needs and knew the administration of Barney’s medication could be done with ease,” said Sarah. “Our other dog Archie, has a calm and gentle disposition, so we thought he would make a great guide dog for Barney. And when Barney's foster carer told us that 'all he wanted was to lie on the floor of a busy kitchen and watch the family go about its business' we knew we could provide that!”
A play date to test the dogs together was a huge success, and Barney moved in.
“Loud, boisterous, a little anxious at times, but very eager to please, Barney immediately became part of the gang and the neighbourhood. He’s incredible with children of all ages and great at the local park, with excellent recall since day one.”
Just prior to Easter 2014, the glaucoma attacked Barney's remaining eye.
Different medications proved ineffective and over a period of three days, he lost vision completely and Sarah made the very hard decision to have it removed to alleviate the intense pain he was in.
“Barney remained so calm during the entire ordeal. Within days, he could navigate himself throughout the house, garden and off lead to the park at the end of the street,” said Sarah.
“Barney's anxiety has returned since he lost vision completely. If he is not near us, or the other dogs, he gets stressed and barks. Archie and Ted are great at calming him down with their presence though and, today, Barney continues to enjoy an amazing quality of life. He swims off lead in the sea and joins in every social function we host at home.”
“So now we have Ted who cannot hear, Barney who cannot see and able-bodied Archie who always comes to their aid. Together, they make the most functional, caring and entertaining pack of three - they have taught us the true meaning of resilience and compassion.”
Right now on the PetRescue website, there are more than 1,000 special needs and senior pets in urgent need of a loving, caring home and you can help them today!
All you need to do is purchase our 2017 calendar for just $3 and all proceeds go to fund PetRescue’s pet adoption programs that support more than 950 rescue groups, shelters and pounds nationwide with vital free services.
Help more homeless pets like Barney get their gotcha day, and make sure you remember all your important dates in 2017.
Find your nearest PETstock to purchase the calendar in store.^
Or, order the calendar online^ now with some goodies for your pet.*
^While stocks last. May not be available in all stores, contact your local store for details.
*Orders under $50 and 5kg include a $9 shipping fee. Free shipping is available on orders over $50 (and under 45kg).