Hoppy's bouncing back

Hoppy had a bleak start to life. When his breeder discovered he was almost completely blind, he didn’t want him anymore.

The black Labrador was given away to someone who kept him chained up outside in an alleyway with no shelter.

Luckily Hoppy was rescued and brought to our adoption centre in Tiverton.

The four-year-old is getting on really well with his training. As dogs have much better noses and hearing than humans, they generally cope better with blindness.

Despite the obstacles he has faced so far, Hoppy is still an affectionate and loving dog who is longing to find a happy new home with a caring family.

Adoption centre manager Damian Harrison says: “Caring for Hoppy was a new challenge the likes of which the Tiverton staff had never come across.

“We had to approach looking after Hoppy with a clear understanding of how blind dogs cope and most importantly what we can do to help them.

“Thankfully Hoppy is such a bright dog who, despite such a sad start in life, has a wonderful, tactile nature. It's great to see his waggy tail when he senses you are near and makes us all realise just how much joy Hoppy will bring any new owner."

To find out more visit Hoppy’s online profile or call the centre on 01884 855291.

There are lots of tips available to help people who are training dogs with sight problems:

- Use sounds and clear voice signals

- Keep surroundings as familiar as possible and keep things like water bowls in the same place

- Try not to move furniture or change your garden too much

- Use a long lead to allow the dog to constantly feel contact with you while outside

- Keep an eye out for objects that might be a hazard to your dog

- Adapt games, eg put a bell in a ball so your dog can locate it to play fetch