Service animals play a huge role in helping people with disabilities. Now, however, photos and video are going viral showing that humans aren’t the only ones who benefit from these service animals.
Chelsea and Adam Stipe of Mooresville, North Carolina recently took to social media to show that their blind Golden Retriever has his very own guide dog!
They have an 11 year-old dog named Charlie, who lost both of his eyes to glaucoma. The dog had his left eye removed in 2016, and the right one removed one year later. Though Charlie is not in pain anymore, he has difficulty getting around as a newly-blind animal.
Earlier this year, Chelsea and Adam decided to adopt a new dog, a golden retriever puppy named Maverick. At first, Charlie was not happy about another dog coming into their home, but Maverick quickly won him over. Before long, the two dogs were absolutely inseparable!
After watching the dogs bond for a few weeks, Chelsea noticed something special about the puppy.
“When they would play, Maverick would realize that Charlie would lose the toy sometimes, so (Maverick) would pick it up and put it back in front of him to re-engage playtime,” Chelsea said.
In no time, Maverick was anticipating Charlie’s needs and making life a whole lot easier for him!
“They almost turn into little sled dogs where they’ll walk together,” Chelsea said.
Though Maverick has no actual training as a service dog, he’s doing the job perfectly because of his love for his best friend.
Social media users can’t get enough of Charlie and Maverick, and the two have become viral sensations thanks to their adorable bond! Watch them in action in the video below.
