Wildwood's Cactus Thorn

Often when animals are born with disabilities they are euthanized. That could have been the fate of a miniature dachshund named Wildwood's Cactus Thorn who was born blind, but when Bob Gabbard, an

Tuesday, August 14th 2007, 10:01 am

By: News On 6

Often when animals are born with disabilities they are euthanized. That could have been the fate of a miniature dachshund named Wildwood's Cactus Thorn who was born blind, but when Bob Gabbard, an amputee, saw Cactus, he saw something special. The News On 6â€™s Rick Wells reports they've turned their disabilities into a wonderful friendship.

Wildwood's Cactus Thorn is an 8-month-old blind Miniature Dachshund.

"He had such a personality,â€ said Gabbard.

He empathized with the dog some. Gabbard has had circulatory problems in his right leg for years. It was amputated a couple of years ago. He just couldn't bear to see the little dog put down. Except for the blindness, he was otherwise healthy.

Cactus learned his way around the house in no time. Gabbard has trained him to respond to a whistle. When he blows it, Cactus responds.

"The thing is he recognized what the problem is,â€ Gabbard said.

Cactus can't see so he uses his nose and his ears. He hesitates when he hears or smells something he's not sure of.

Gabbard spends his days in a wheelchair or on a scooter. It was play time so they hopped aboard the scooter and off they went, out in the yard. Cactus gets to be a real dog. He can run and play. He sniffs out bugs in the grass. Gabbard uses the whistle to keep him out of trouble.

"The main this is to keep him aware of that whistle, so you can keep him out of dangerous places and places he shouldn't be,â€ he said.

The blind dog and his Seeing Eye man.

"When he enjoys life as much as he does, it helps all of us enjoy our lives a little more,â€ Gabbard said.

Watch the video: The Blind Dog And His Seeing Eye Man

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Extended Video Of Wildwood's Cactus Thorn, The Blind Mini Dachshund