Blind Bow’s journey
At the end of July, Bow arrived at our member charity Mayhew, after being found alone as a stray. She was blind, underweight and clearly living in pain.
The team may never know everything Bow has lived through, but they believe she may have been used for breeding before coming into their care. What they do know is that, despite everything, Bow greeted them with gentle trust — tail wagging, leaning in for affection, and accepting the help she urgently needed.
During her veterinary examination, it became clear Bow had been living with severe eye disease for a long time. Her right eye was causing significant pain and couldn’t be saved, so the vets made the kindest decision to remove it and give her relief.
Her left eye was treated intensively in the hope of reducing inflammation and restoring some vision. Bow was monitored closely, and the team did everything they could. After weeks of care, the vets confirmed she had a large retinal detachment, meaning her sight couldn’t be restored. It wasn’t the outcome anyone hoped for, but the treatment was still incredibly important — it ensured Bow was no longer suffering. Bow then underwent further surgery to remove her remaining eye, preventing any future pain.
There was still further treatment ahead for Bow, including the removal of a fractured tooth, another source of discomfort, But the team took things gently, one step at a time, and ensured that Bow never faced anything alone. Alongside her medical care, the kennel team helped Bow adjust to life without sight — learning her surroundings, building her confidence and helping her feel safe. As she settled in, her personality shone through more each day.
Bow formed a particularly close bond with kennel carer Tommy: “Bow and I have formed an extremely special bond — she has completely captured my heart. She amazes me every day with how trusting she is despite being blind. She puts her faith in the people around her and faces the world with such incredible bravery. After everything she has been through, her resilience and loving nature are truly inspiring. I’m incredibly proud of her.”
We’re delighted to say that Bow’s journey with Mayhew ended happily mid-September, when this incredible journey went off to her new home. She now has a bright future ahead of her with a family who will understand and care for her.