Born Blind. A guide to welcoming a blind dog into your life - by Anastasia Gargiulli
Hey there, fellow dog lovers!
If you’ve ever thought about welcoming a blind dog into your life - or maybe you already have - this post is for you.
When I brought my dog Jellyfish home from the shelter almost two years ago as a young and bouncy puppy, I knew he was blind. What I didn’t know was just how much I didn’t know.
I was excited, overwhelmed, and totally out of my depth. I faced issues I’ve never even thought about before and found the experience to be quite isolating.
I trawled through hundreds of online resources, reached out to other blind dog guardians, and tried to piece together a plan that made sense. Some of it worked. Some of it didn’t.
The biggest issue? Most resources focused on dogs who had sight at one point and lost it later in life. Raising a dog who has never had sight is a totally different ballgame.
Over time, I realised I wasn’t the only one searching for answers. People would post on social media with the same questions I had when I first brought “Jelly” home. So, I decided to create what I wish I had - a one-stop guide for anyone raising, or thinking about raising, a blind dog.
Introducing: “Born Blind. A guide to welcoming a blind dog into your life.”
In this book, you’ll meet some amazing blind dogs, from Maisie, a spunky blind Pomeranian, to my own big, gentle boy Jellyfish. You’ll hear real stories, real struggles, and real wins from people who’ve walked this path.
You’ll also find practical, easy-to-follow advice on things like:
• How to set up your home before your blind dog arrives
• Toilet training tips (yes, it’s totally doable!)
• Teaching useful verbal cues
• Types of enrichment—and how to adapt them for blind dogs
• Understanding body language in dogs who can’t rely on visual cues
• And so much more!
Everything is written simply and clearly, with no jargon or judgment. I don’t claim to have the only way to do things - just a few ways to help get you started. Think of it as a friendly hand reaching out to say, “You’ve got this.”
Why I Wrote This Book
My biggest hope is that this book helps shift the narrative around blind dogs. Too many people still believe they can’t live full, joyful lives and that’s just not true. With a little extra support and understanding, blind dogs can do everything a sighted dog can do (sometimes better!). If more people knew this, I truly believe we’d see fewer blind dogs being surrendered or euthanised.
So whether you’re welcoming a blind pup, supporting a friend who is, or just curious about what life looks like with a blind dog - it’s all in Born Blind. Let’s spread the word, share the love, and give these amazing dogs the chance they deserve.