Guide Dog Takes Care Of A Blind Great Dane

In 2011, the photo of a guide dog taking care of a blind Great Dane moved the whole world. As often happens, unfortunately, there was no shortage of detractors. However, this strange couple amazed and intrigued most of the people, who began looking for information and soon this astounding story went around the world.

Lily is a six year old female Great Dane. Unfortunately at the age of 18 months he lost his sight. Everyone thought that she would not survive for long and that, due to blindness, she would be condemned to live, what little she had left, enclosed within four walls.

It was then that Maddison, another female Great Dane who is now seven years old, entered the scene. Since then Maddison has been Lily’s guide dog with whom she lives in symbiosis. He immediately learned to call Lily and to show her the way by emitting small barks. The owner even made Lily wear a leash to help Maddison in her work as a guide dog.

Unfortunately, in 2010 their owner had to face a series of economic difficulties that prevented him from continuing to take care of the two dogs. He knew very well that Lily’s life was tied hand in glove with that of Madisson. He then decided to give both dogs up for adoption at the Dogs Trust Re-homing center in Shrewsbury, England.

When the kennel manager, Louise Campbell, saw the wonderful relationship between the two dogs, she was deeply moved. Mainly because he knew that if Lily had been able to have a relatively normal life up until now, it was only with Madisson’s help. However, he was aware that giving them both up for adoption was a tall order. The two dogs had to be adopted in pairs and age and size were two factors that played against them.

Local newspapers began an information campaign to make known the sad story of the two dogs. Louise never, ever imagined that this solidarity campaign could be so successful. A myriad of people took an interest in the case and showed willingness to adopt the two dogs.

One of the newspapers that echoed the story received about two thousand messages from people willing to adopt Lily and Maddison. After a meticulous selection, it  was decided to give the two dogs to the Williams family, made up of Anne and her husband Len, a former firefighter. The Williams, like so many other people, were struck by this story of love and brotherhood.

It was the perfect family. The daughter had gone to live in another city taking with her the two English setters of the family. The Williams used to take long walks on their large estate in the company of their dogs and the transfer of the daughter and the dogs had left a great void. The opportunity then presented itself to adopt the two Great Danes.

Since then, the human and canine couple have been inseparable. The Williams never separate from the two dogs, so much so that they were together on holiday in France.

Today the two dogs live happily thanks to the Williams’ loving care. Louise Campbell is proud of the happy ending : finally the two Alanes have found a family that will take care of them for life.

For the umpteenth time, animals are giving us a life lesson. Animals and people are often the protagonists of incredible and tender stories of love and solidarity.