Three weeks ago, I took Willow to the vets. She was due her annual vaccines, so, on a sunny afternoon, we took the short walk over and waited to be seen.

When we were called in, as usual, Willow was a very good girl. But very nervous. Before the vet gave her the vaccines she gave her a quick once over. Eyes, ears, teeth.

Usually nothing to worry about, but this time was different.

Willow had a lump in her eye. The vet was very concerned. She advised that she isn’t an animal ophthalmologist, but she would advise I see one, ASAP, and get it looked at. Her fear was that it was a type of cancer often seen in older dogs eye.

With the help of Guide Dogs, I was booked in to see an ophthalmologist yesterday.

I was very scared, so was Willow. But the kind and knowledgeable vet put me at ease very quickly. Telling me it wasn’t cancer.

However she did have a lump. It would need removing however. Preempting this, I had been advised to not feed her breakfast so she would be able to have any surgery needed on the day.

The surgery was “simple” it was laser removal. She would be sedated and given pain relief. All I could do was wait.

So, myself, my partner and teeny tiny took a long walk and had some lunch, before we knew it 4 hours had passed and my sweet girl was ready to come home.

She was VERY tired, but she was ok and the surgery was a success. There was a sad twist to everything however. My little Willow has the beginnings of cataracts. It is a very sad irony. 

My poor girl.

Today willow is almost back to normal. She had a little walk today. But hasn’t managed much else. But she’s happy and isn’t in pain. That’s all that matters.

Guide Dogs support their service users with veterinary costs, this is because Finns should not be a barrier to someone receiving the support of a guide dog. And truly, the fact that they still continue the support for Willow even though she is retired, means so much. They helped my girl when she needed it and for that I will always be grateful.