Consider this Exhibit #89,163 that dogs are just the freaking best. Meet Kiaya, an Akita who lost her eyesight due to glaucoma, and her younger “brothers” 8-year-old Cass and 2-year-old Keller.
When Kiaya lost her battle with glaucoma and had to have both of her eyes removed, her owner Jessica VanHusen was worried about how she would be able to get around. Not a problem, thanks to her bros Cass and Keller who have taken over duties as her own personal seeing-eye dogs.
“They were kind of bookends to her,” VanHusen said. “They’re not fiercely protective but they’re always touching her. They’re really respectful of her.”
Dr. Gwen Sila is the veterinary ophthalmologist who operated on both of Kiaya’s eyes.
“Her brothers are pretty amazing at the way they help to guide her around,” Sila told ABC News. “Each of them will stand on either side of her so she doesn’t bump into anything and lead her around the yard.”
“Cass definitely took the role upon himself to guide her around the yard which made me of course cry my eyes out,” VanHusen said. “It’s adorable.”
“It’s been wonderful. They’re my kids,” VanHusen added. “It’s nice to see them step up.”
Dammit… my allergies are starting to kick in for some reason. Anyone got any tissues?