Blind 11-year-old golden retriever finds 'best bud' and 'seeing-eye' in energetic four-month-old puppy
Charlie, an 11-year-old golden retriever who went blind due to glaucoma, found a service animal to guide him around in an energetic four-month-old puppy named Maverick. According to their shared, hugely popular Instagram account, they are just “two best buds living life to the fullest.”
Marverick and Charlie live with North Carolina couple Chelsea and Adam Stiepe, who revealed that they have had the latter since he was a puppy. A recent Instagram post, which showed the adorable pups hanging out together, was accompanied with the caption that read: “Hello there! Charlie and Maverick here. Just a couple of happy pups. Charlie is almost 11 years old and Maverick is four months old. Charlie had glaucoma which led to his double enucleation (both eyes removed). Now, Maverick is here to help Charlie around and Charlie is trying to teach Maverick manners. 🤣 definitely a work in progress.”
Charlie started losing his eyesight in 2016 due to the degenerative disease and for the couple that was saving up for their retirement, the choice was obvious — to nurse their pup as long as they could. "For us, it was a no-brainer," Chelsea said after Charlie needed to have his other eye removed in 2017. "Empty our retirement plan to care for this dog because he makes us happy."
Not long after, Chelsea, who was pregnant at the time, decided to get another puppy so that her unborn child would have a dog of their own to grow up with. Maverick was welcomed into the Stiepe family on New Year's Day this year, and almost immediately he seemed to understand that his older friend had some differences and shortcomings. Chelsea revealed that Maverick would notice Charlie losing toys while playing together, so he would take it upon himself to place it in front of him.
"They almost turn into little sled dogs where they'll walk together," revealing just how much they rely on each other while stepping out of their home.
Charlie and Marverick's story has touched many hearts, with many posting heartwarming comments on their page. "AWWW this is so heartwarming ❤️❤️❤️. I'm tearing up thinking how wonderful it is that they both have a buddy to go thru life with. 👍👍👍," reads one, while another goes, "You guys are beautiful and I love you! Thanks for making my Sunday a little sunnier!!♥️"