Case Update: Betty

It’s been quite a while since we had an update about this sweet girl, Betty.  She has quite a story and it was one that affected all of us deeply.  You can see the story from when we first took her in and her journey through eye surgery.  But today I am writing, finally, to complete her story.  Betty had many, many trips back to Cornell University after her successful sight restoring surgery, however things began to turn.  She began to have swelling and pain so a myriad of treatments were done.  It was soon discovered that her retina detached in one eye.  Soon after, the other eye followed.  Then came glaucoma, pain, swelling, injections, medications around the clock and eye ulcers.  Her wonderful adopters were right there by her side the entire time, never once giving up on her, with or without vision.  Ultimately, the decision was made to remove her eyes.  What bravery, commitment, and complete selfless love was shown by Mara and Jimmy as they took her to the hospital for one last surgery.  The tears, fear, worry.  Would she be ok?  Would she survive?  Would she still love us?

When Betty got home from the hospital, it was clear that she needed to make some adjustments to being completely blind, but for the first time in weeks, she was not suffering from the pain of swelling and ulceration.  What a relief.   The initial photo of her post-op were a shock that made me cry crocodile tears.  My heart was so heavy from what she had endured.  I couldn’t even talk about it for a long time because on a certain level, I wondered if we had done the right thing in the first place.  I know now we did..we had to give her a chance to see and no matter how briefly, it warms my soul to know she got a chance to clearly see Mara and Jimmy…the two who will love her forever.  It wasn’t long before her nose kicked in and she began navigating around the house just like their other blind CBR Beagle, Charlie Bear!  Mara is an expert at blind.  She has it all figured out with textured rugs at room entrances, different scents in different areas and other tricks.  But most of all, it has touched my heart to know Betty will be fine.  

This little girl has come full circle and I can’t help but wonder what her fate would have been if Mara & Jimmy hadn’t stepped up to foster her.  I know this…it wouldn’t have been good!  Thank you to this wonderful family for seeing the beauty in a little beagle who we pulled from Indiana, transported her to New York…and had no idea she would arrive blind….have surgery and see….and ultimately lose her vision and her eyes.  But let me tell you, that has not affected her vision to see right into the hearts of her forever family.

Love you Betty girl!!!  And Mara & Jimmy!!

Arooo,
Beagle Slave