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Happy Ending for Gwen, the sheepdog!

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Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond

Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond Report 16 Jul 2010 03:39

Sheepdog's sight restored after operation

Last updated: 15/07/2010 15:00:00


Gwen the sheepdog.
A Norfolk sheepdog's sight has been restored by a cataract operation.

Looking at Gwen the sheepdog in the field tending the flock it seems impossible to believe that just a few months ago she could hardly see anything at all.

The 10-year-old border collie had developed cataracts on both eyes leaving her virtually blind and unable to work - but following surgery Gwen is now back to her old self, and her owner Richard Little is delighted to have her back helping to control his 600 sheep and taking part in sheepdog demonstrations across East Anglia.

Mr Little, 59, of Rusca Farm, Kerdiston, near Reepham said: “I have had Gwen since she was eight weeks old. She is a very important part of the family and a great sheepdog.

“Gwen is a very special dog because she is a very good all round dog. She is a very powerful dog who can control the sheep well.

“It is wonderful to have her back working with me.”

Mr Little, who also works with four other border collies, said he first noticed that there was something wrong with Gwen when she started losing weight, and she was diagnosed with diabetes by Taverham Vets. By Christmas she was almost blind in both eyes and so had to retire.

Mr Little said it was heartbreaking seeing Gwen bumping into fences and posts because she could not see.

“Gwen became more and more depressed because sheepdogs do live for their work,” said Mr Little, whose wife, Sue, is a sheepdog trainer.

Determined to help his much-loved sheepdog, Mr Little arranged for Gwen to have a £2,000 operation to remove the cataract in her right eye at Pet Vision in Longstanton, near Cambridge.

After spending a number of weeks recuperating she was back enjoying working in the fields by the middle of June. “The operation has brought Gwen back to being as happy a dog as she used to be. She is very active and she is still extremely keen to work which is wonderful,” said Mr Little.

***Julie*Ann***.sprinkling fairydust***

***Julie*Ann***.sprinkling fairydust*** Report 16 Jul 2010 14:53

wot a really lovely story, having had a darlin dog that was cross wth sheepdog and the most wonderful nature , i can see why gwen was given a chance,
well done gwen

Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond

Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond Report 17 Jul 2010 01:54

Lovely, isn't it Julie?