Dogsey

A near blind golden retriever puppy has been given the gift of sight in time for Christmas, thanks to a huge fund raising effort and the generosity of strangers.

Caspar was born in April 2011 with cataracts in both eyes. With limited eyesight in one eye, he faced going completely blind in a matter of months and was taken in by the charity Dogs Friends.

An operation to remove cataracts from both eyes would cost £2000. The charity decided to try to raise the money, distributing fliers around Bristol and asking for help from the media, and were overwhelmed by the response to the appeal. Sally Baker, a volunteer who has now adopted Caspar, said that Caspar touched everyone's hearts. Pocket money was sent in by children and a 93-year-old pensioner gave some of his pension, another sending in £5 postal orders. A group from a mental health home walked a distance equivalent to the length of Britain to raise money for Caspar.

Within weeks, a total of over £6500 was raised. Caspar underwent a successful operation in October, where the cataracts were replaced with false lenses, and had to spend a month indoors for his eyes to heal. His first walk was in November with Sally, who expressed gratitude to everyone who helped. “The difference in Caspar has been amazing and it has been truly wonderful to watch him see things for the first time”. Veterinary ophthalmologist, Brian Patterson, said: “We're delighted to have been able to help Caspar.”