Blind Halifax puppy makes friends with bouncy bulldog who becomes his 'guide dog'

A bouncy bulldog and a young, blind collie have struck up an unlikely friendship after the gentle giant took it upon herself to act as the pup’s ‘guide dog’.

Two-year-old American bulldog Sheeva arrived at the RSPCA’s Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and District branch in December after her owner had been evicted.

Fundraising manager Lauren Moore said: “Sheeva and her poor owner had been walking the streets all night after being evicted from their home. Nowhere would offer Sheeva’s owner a place to stay because he had a dog so he decided to sign her over to us, which was a really hard decision for him.

“She was initially very wary of us but, with time, started to come around and show her cheeky and playful side.”

Sheeva needed surgery on her entropion - a very uncomfortable condition in which the lower eyelid folds inwards causing the lashes to run on the eye - and was diagnosed with allergies which staff are now managing.

“Once Sheeva started to interact and play with other dogs, she really started to come out of her shell and shine!” Lauren added. “She’s taken a real fancy to Paddy, who is now her best friend!”

Six-month-old border collie pup Paddy arrived at the centre in February when his owners’ circumstances changed and they were struggling to cope with his blindness.

Lauren added: “We believe Paddy came originally from a puppy farm. Vets suspect he lost his sight as the result of an untreated infection as a newborn puppy. Although it’s left him completely blind, thankfully it causes him no ongoing pain or discomfort.

“Understandably there are certain things that can prove a little tricky for him - such as navigating his way around when he’s off-lead. But Sheeva has been fabulous with him and acts as a guide dog to him.”

Paddy was doing well with training but had become very excitable around other dogs so staff searched the kennels to find him the paw-fect pal to play with him and also teach him some manners. Sheeva caught their eye.

“She’s a big dog and she’s very bouncy, but she’s so gentle - particularly with Paddy,” Lauren said. “It’s as if she knows she has to take extra special care around him!

“It is so sweet to see them interacting and playing together!”

Now Defra has given permission for animal rescue centres to begin fostering and rehoming - under strict new social distancing procedures - Sheeva and Paddy will be looking for their forever homes.

Sheeva is a very friendly, fun and clever girl who is looking for a home with older children. She could live with another dog.

Paddy is a sweet and cheeky pup who loves belly rubs. He needs a calm, adult-only home with owners who understand his blindness and can continue his training and support him.

To find out more about Sheeva and Paddy visit their online profiles. For more information email [email protected] or call 01422 365 628.