A brave cocker spaniel who lost both eyes to glaucoma has found a new way to explore the world. Thanks to scent training, Hero now uses his powerful sense of smell to navigate his surroundings and enjoy life again.
Hero, a working cocker spaniel from Clevedon in North Somerset, became completely blind in July. The sudden loss of his sight left him frightened, anxious and withdrawn.
However, dedicated training and support from his owners have transformed his confidence.
Jane Stuart Brown and Rob Grubb say they feel incredibly proud of their beloved dog.
“He’s a superstar. We’re so proud,” Stuart Brown said, praising Hero’s ability to adapt.
How Glaucoma Changed Hero’s Life
Hero’s health problems began on New Year’s Eve when his owners noticed unusual behaviour.
He seemed unusually quiet, refused food and showed signs of discomfort.
“He was very subdued and was not wanting his food,” Stuart Brown recalled.
The couple also noticed fluid dripping from one eye.
During a short walk, Hero began bumping into their legs. His owners immediately realised something was seriously wrong.
They took him to Rowe Eye Clinic in Bradley Stoke, Bristol.
Veterinary ophthalmologist Fergus Cronk diagnosed glaucoma, a painful eye condition that increases pressure inside the eye.
The pressure had caused Hero severe discomfort. Cronk recommended removing the affected eye to relieve his pain.
Unfortunately, Hero later developed the same condition in his remaining eye.
Veterinarians had to remove that eye too, leaving him completely blind.
Blindness Brings New Challenges
Losing his sight proved difficult for Hero during the early stages of recovery.
He became nervous and struggled whenever his owners left the room.
“He was barking an awful lot,” Grubb explained.
The couple worried about how their dog would cope without vision.
They had also received warnings that some dogs struggle to adjust after losing both eyes.
However, Hero’s story soon took a positive turn.
With patience, encouragement and specialist scent training, he slowly began rebuilding his confidence.
Scent Training Helps Hero Find His Confidence
Dog trainer Lucy Shipway played an important role in Hero’s recovery.
She had worked with him since he was a puppy and already understood his personality and abilities.
Following his operations, Shipway adapted his training to help him rely more heavily on smell.
During sessions, Hero searches for familiar scents hidden around different environments.
Sometimes, he must locate a tiny piece of clove buried in gravel. Other exercises involve finding a scented cloth behind a plant pot.
These activities encourage him to explore and identify objects without relying on vision.
“We hone-in how to use his nose very specifically,” Shipway explained.
She said the training helps Hero move around his surroundings and locate specific scents.
Watching his progress has brought emotional moments for everyone involved.
When Hero returned after his second operation, Shipway and his owners struggled to hold back tears.
She described seeing him complete familiar activities without sight as “fantastic to watch”.
What Is Glaucoma in Dogs?
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that causes pressure to build inside the eye.
The problem develops when fluid cannot drain properly.
Without treatment, the increasing pressure can damage the eye and eventually cause blindness.
The condition can also cause severe pain.
According to veterinary ophthalmologist Fergus Cronk, some dog breeds face a higher risk of developing primary glaucoma.
He explained that the condition can affect up to 5% or 6% of dogs within certain susceptible breeds.
Early veterinary attention is important when a dog develops eye discomfort or sudden changes in vision.
Common warning signs include eye redness, excessive tearing, visible discomfort and changes in behaviour.
Dog owners should seek veterinary advice promptly if they notice these symptoms.
A Remarkable Recovery Through Smell
Hero’s progress has surprised and delighted his owners.
Although he can no longer see, he continues to explore, learn and interact with his family.
His scent training has helped him regain independence and enjoy familiar activities.
Brown and Grubb now celebrate the small moments that show how far he has come.
Grubb recalled one particularly touching evening when the couple were relaxing on their sofa.
Something caught Hero’s attention, prompting him to search for his favourite toy.
He found it and carried it over to his owners.
“He went off, found his favourite toy and dropped it in our laps,” Grubb recalled.
The simple gesture meant a great deal to the family.
Hero’s Story Offers Hope for Owners of Blind Dogs
Hero’s journey shows how training, patience and a supportive home can help dogs adjust to major changes.
Losing both eyes initially left him frightened and uncertain. However, his strong sense of smell has become a valuable tool.
With guidance from his trainer and constant encouragement from his owners, Hero has learned to navigate life differently.
His story also highlights the importance of recognising glaucoma symptoms and seeking prompt veterinary treatment.
For Jane Stuart Brown and Rob Grubb, watching Hero regain his confidence has been an emotional experience.
Hero may have lost his eyesight, but he has not lost his curiosity, determination or love for life.