A blind dog enjoying a lakeside camping trip has captured the hearts of thousands across the internet.
Chayse Fulton, 31, a canine nutritionist and well-being expert at Woof For Wellness from Kamloops, British Columbia, shared a heartwarming video of his blind dog, Steven, experiencing a large lake for the first time. Posted to the subreddit r/DogVideos under the username u/schmob3rry, the clip received more than 8,500 upvotes.
“It was his first time out on an official camping trip this year, and he has never been to a body of water quite that large and he hasn’t experienced one that has big waves in it yet so it was his first time,” Fulton told Newsweek.
“He initially was very hesitant of the waves and couldn’t figure out what the sound was of them crashing on the shore. So, while he was on leash, we gave him lots of reassurance and told him he was a good boy,” he added.
The video compilation shows Steven enjoying the lake and surrounding woodland with his family, including his young human sister. Fulton said that, every time Steven checked out the waves, he grew more confident—with his sister’s help—and was soon “chasing after the waves in no time.”
Fulton added that, while it is hard to know exactly what Steven is thinking, many people online have posted that “he was definitely saving us from a tsunami.”
Steven, also affectionately called Stevie, was born in Alberta and discovered under a house on a rural property. He was born with severe congenital glaucoma in both eyes, which caused him immense pain. A rescue group stepped in, and both eyes were surgically removed just before he turned 4 weeks old.
“He has never had sight so he doesn’t actually know what he’s missing out on, which I think contributes to how happy he truly is,” said Fulton. Believed to be a mastiff and Labrador retriever mix, Stevie is a “big and skinny boy” who is wild, friendly, confident, and up for any adventure.
Fulton said: “He is my adventure buddy, and we haven’t found a single thing he doesn’t enjoy yet from walks, to off-leash hiking, to swimming, making friends and everything in between.”
The owner said he was proud to watch Steven grow more comfortable in the unfamiliar environment, crediting the dog’s progress to consistent training and confidence-building.
“It was a very proud moment to watch him so quickly overcome being nervous in a new environment because I have put so much time and effort into his confidence, training and situations like this really show the hard work paying off,” Fulton said. “He had everyone laughing on the beach.”
One of the most-rewarding parts of caring for Stevie, Fulton added, is seeing the impact the dog has on others.
“My favorite part of owning Stevie is how he shows so many people online and in person how blind dogs, or any disabled animal for that matter, just needs the right home and to be given a chance, and they can thrive and live a very happy and fulfilled life.”
Stevie is Fulton’s third blind rescue. “I think they find me for a reason, and I love doing what I do,” he said.
Reddit users were quick to share their love and admiration for Stevie.
“He is everything. What a beautiful angel awww. Please give Steven a big snoot smoocher from me!” one user commented.
“It is unbelievable and adorable to see people who taking care such animals, respect animals,” posted another.
“This is so beautiful!!” wrote Abigail_Squanch.
“That made my night! Thanks for sharing. Steve is soooo happy!” another user added.
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