Canine Cataracts can’t stop Me!
All Smiles!
Henry, Reese and I recently returned from a road trip during which, we had the pleasure of sharing our children’s book to help raise funds for an amazing rescue organization. Joyful Rescues is a non-profit and no-kill shelter in Western New York.
During the fundraising event known as ‘Petfest,’ we had the pleasure of meeting several of the organization’s incredible volunteers, and many of the guests who attended the event. Several of whom, like us, had adopted family members from Joyful Rescues. Petfest is hosted every summer by Joyful Rescues.
Like our Reese, Riley is a Joyful Rescue with special needs. His (soon to be) mamas Jessie and Steffanie have been fostering Riley. After meeting this adorable little man, it’s hardly surprising that they fell in love and applied to adopt Riley. He is sweet, friendly, and incredibly happy.
Riley and Mama Jessie
With such a disposition, it’s hard to believe that, until recently, Riley was visually impaired due to cataracts. Riley was blind in one eye with impairment in his other eye. After their pre-op appointment at Animal Eye Care of Western New York, they received the bittersweet news. Although Riley was not experiencing pain because of cataracts, they had worsened – in both eyes! Their hope that one eye would not become worse for a longer period was completely dashed. Unfortunately, the condition had worsened and the second eye would also need surgery. Dr. Stanz (of Animal Eye Care) recommended that he operate on both eyes at the same time. It would be less costly and, more importantly, would put less stress on Riley. Jessie agreed.
Not treating cataracts can lead to severe pain, glaucoma, and even blindness. The cost of the procedure substantially increased to more than $4500.00. Joyful Rescues is a nonprofit organization that thrives on the support of its donors and volunteers. Jessie and her mom have been working diligently to create adorable bandanas to raise funds for the cost of surgery.
Stylin’ Bandanas
Jessie recently shared the following plea for help:
Riley is our current foster dog from Joyful Rescues, He was saved from a high-kill shelter in West Virginia a couple of months ago and made his journey here. When he arrived, he was slightly positive for heartworm, and it was discovered that he has juvenile cataracts. He has been treated for the heartworm and is now negative, but his cataracts still need to be operated upon. Animal Eye Care of WNY will be handling the surgery when the time arrives. Riley is only three years old and needs this surgery to have clearer vision for the long life that is ahead of him with the forever home that is going to find him! Please help us raise the money needed to help Riley see clearly again!
Riley recently had his surgery and I’m a pleased to share with you that it was a success. Jessie explained the procedure which involved implanting two teeny, weeny lenses that looked like translucent turtles – the feet acting as anchors until they heal and bond, as part of Riley’s new eyes.
Incredible, don’t you agree?
Jessie still needs your help to cover the remainder of the surgery bill. Riley’s world is brighter thanks to his amazing people – and fur brother Oliver Winston! Oli is a young, West Highland White Terrier and is described by Jessie as ‘hell on wheels.’
He is not a rescue and did come from a breeder. I got him before I learned about rescues and the number of dogs in need of loving homes.
Jessie was worried about bringing Riley into the home she shares with Oli and her girlfriend. Oli was an only furchild and although he loves other dogs he meets, Jessie wasn’t sure how Oli would react to another dog moving in. There was no need to worry; Oli loves Riley.
There was a little bit of jealousy over his mommas, however, Oli seemed to sense that Riley needed our love and belonged in our home. They became inseparable – they play together, sleep and snuggle together and eat out of the same food bowl! To say that we found the perfect pair is an understatement -says Jessie.
Riley and brother Oli
We’re so grateful to Joyful Rescues for the wonderful work they do and very happy Riley and Jessie found each other through the organization. Riley is an absolute angel and has (literally) been given the chance to live life to the fullest and see many happy years.
Riley’s team has raised nearly $4100 and still need another $500 to cover the cost of surgery. You can support Riley’s cause by purchasing a bandana (as modelled by Henry and Reese), or by donating via Riley’s ‘Go Fund Me’ account below.
Henry Models a ‘Riley Bandana’
Bandana Pajamas
Donations and Bandana Purchases – $5USD per bandana
ANIMAL EYE CARE OF WESTERN NEW YORK
It’s amazing what can be done for dogs these days. Yay for Riley and his family! Luckily, my senior doesn’t have eye trouble yet but it’s nice to know there might be some help out there for us if he does.
Jessica @ YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner recently posted…Colorado Road Trip Adventure – Part III
So amazing – advances for pups as well as peeps! Thanks Jessica
Aw, what a wonderful story! I’m glad the surgery went well and he gets along well with Oli!
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Riley is a lucky little man! Thanks Kia
They are so cute together! Thanks for visiting Kia!
He is adorable! I’m glad the surgery was a success. It’s amazing what medicine can do these days.
I couldn’t believe the process when it was explained to me. Amazing indeed!
Great cause, great story, happy ending!
–Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
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This little guy is inspirational. Thanks for visiting Susan & Gang!
Thank you everyone for the love and support for our little guy! It is reassuring to know that there are people out there who care just as deeply about their pets. Just a quick update: Riley is doing very well post-surgery. He is about 1.5 months out now and can see perfectly! It is absolutely incredible to see his zest for life now! He did have a bit of inflammation at about the 3 week mark and his meds had to be adjusted. Seems to be just how his body reacted to the trauma. He has what they call an iris bombe in his right eye now due to the inflammation. Basically, this means that the inflammation caused his pupil to adhere to the artificial lens. This did not cause any loss in vision and does not cause him pain. However, it means that glaucoma is a higher risk, so we just have to keep watch on it for the rest of his life, but should not cause him any issues. Again, thank you for the ongoing support!! ❤️
Thanks for the update Jess. Glad to hear Riley is a happy little pup and hope the inflammation resolves itself. Maybe we’ll see you next year!
So glad to hear Riley’s eye surgery was a success.
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Thank you!
Hi all! Again, thank you for the continued supportive comments! Just wanted to update everyone on Riley’s latest appointment to Animal Eye Care. As I mentioned last time, Riley has an iris bombe in his right eye (where the pupil attaches to the artificial lens) and an pose future problems of glaucoma. I am very sad to report that Riley expressed excessive squinting the other day and, upon immediate rush up to the eye center, we found out that glaucoma has already made itself apparent in that eye. Riley’s body chemistry is of the 5% that does not heal in the same fashion as the others. His meds were readjusted, again, in hopes that we can get the pressure back down that is building up behind the lens, because of the adhesion to the pupil. Please say a prayer/send positive energy and vibes in his direction so that we can hopefully have a turnaround and ward off having another surgery in the future!
I’m so sorry to hear that Jess. Riley is definitely in our thoughts and we appreciate you taking the time to update us.