Below is a vimeo slide show of Blaze's first hunt of the season. Blaze had a rapid onset of cataracts immediately following her recovery from an ehrlichia canis tick disease last February and the eye problems have not slowed down. Following a recent recovery from Uveitis, Blaze is now completely blind in her right eye and can only make out some movement out to 5 or 6 ft distance max in her left eye but she is fast losing that. For all practical purposes she is blind. But with some creative training and me as her seeing eye human, she is enjoying life as before.

Dove season brought on a whole new meaning to the term Blind Retrieve. Click on the picture for her video.

That was damn hard to watch John. The relationship between you and Blaze goes beyong any I've seen, to see this happen at such a young age is heartbreaking. I've yet to see a dog with such a heart to hunt and the will to please. She is legend!

Thanks for the great video and reminder John. Sweet tribute.

Dang Onions

She still loves the hunt. Glad you are still getting her out. She is a great dog and friend.

From experience with a blind dog, do not change up the furnature in the house it is amazing how a blind dog can get around in familiar surroundings but something like a new coffee table can cause problems for a while. My sister had a small house dog that went blind at an early age, he still loved to fetch and play but that new coffee table caused him headachea for a long time.

awesome pics.. She can still hunt just fine!

Yea, we still got a ways to go. What I did not share were the trees she crashed into. The cactus needles I pulled out of her front legs and chest. She ran into the gate in front of our camp house at a full run twice. But she did learn a mental map of the camphouse fairly fast. We are rearranging some things at home initially to get some hazzards like table corners out of her path. But hunting free in mesquite flats and cactus is is over for her. Even though she is being taught a new word "careful" to use to warn her when she is approaching a hazard, where hazards are everywhere in every direction, I have found it can't work unless she is short leashed at heel. But hunting field, prairie, and marsh, with her nose she will shine.

Always enjoy the story and relationship you have with Blaze. She's one fine dog. Her change is sad, but you're making the most of it in a positive, can do way. I admire that.

Can’t lie, that brought a tear to my eye.

I have really enjoyed reading and seeing the pics of all your adventures with Blaze. She is defiantly something special, and hats off to you for making her a big part of your life.
If there is such a thing as reincarnation I want to come back as your dog.

great video and a great song to go with it. Thanks for sharing

You've had one heck of a year sir. Next to my own two German Shephards, Blaze has become one of my favorites. Seems she was born for the camera and to hunt. I'm glad you're doing all it takes to let her continue to hunt. She's still such a beautiful dog.

Such a pretty dog, and such a pretty sight to watch the relationship you two have.

man.

She's amazing, your boys facial expression before and after she found the bird was priceless. That dog has a lot of support at home, I wish her the best.

That was tough to watch....I am a dog lover from way back. I had to take my Weim out of the field due to issues and she was okay with it after a little while. I am glad my young daughter took her in almost as if her sister (my girl is 10)...those two are like "two peas in a pod".

My lab on the other hand would not be able to take it. You have a great family to take the time and work with her. I bet she appreciates it.

What a beautiful tribute and very touching video. I was in tears at only 10 seconds in.

I think both of you are pretty darn incredible.

Thank you for sharing.

X2, but best part you can tell she is happy being able to hunt some

+1 Blaze is smiling just like she always does when she's out hunting.

That was really awesome to watch. Really glad you shared that and best of luck to you and the pup.

She looks like she belongs in the movie Pitch Black with those shades. Glad to see her still getting after it and props to you for keeping after it with her and allowing her to still enjoy what she loves.

Can't keep a Good dog down.

Great video and tribute

Wonderful pictures of Blaze and your son.
Looks like they both had a good day in the field together.

Great video and story.. thanks for sharing.

I'm not crying, I just got somethin in my eye!
Ok, maybe I am crying just a bit.
Heart warming video, especially for those of us who have had and loved our own labs.
Great to see her still fetchin em up!!!

Those are some tough onions! My hats off to you sir!!

I think you should turn this story into Bob Phillips from Texas Country Reporter!

Texas country reporter

Nice