DETROIT – A dog who lost both of her eyes due to glaucoma may not be able to see, but that's not slowing her down thanks to her two canine "brothers."
Kiaya, a 10-year-old Akita breed from Waterford, battled glaucoma for two years before losing her left eye. Fifteen months later, Kiaya lost her right eye
Now, Kiaya's Akita housemates, 8-year-old Cass and 2-year-old Keller, stand on each side of her to guide her.
"It's amazing to watch," said Dr. Gwen Sila, the veterinary ophthalmologist who performed Kiaya's surgeries. "It's clear the other dogs are trying to protect her. Their sense of loyalty is really remarkable."
Jessica VanHusen, the dogs' owner, said Cass has been watchful ever since Kiaya's left eye was removed in July of 2013. He stuck by her side as they traipsed through the backyard and he always laid next to her on her blind side.
The behavior grew even more noticeable after Kiaya's second eye was removed in November of 2014.
"Cass always allows Kiaya to get to her food dish first and waits for her to start eating," VanHusen said. "When I take them in the car, he leans against her to keep her steady because she sometimes gets a little off kilter. He also loves to groom her."
As the youngest dog in the house, Keller was a little slower to react to Kiaya's condition. But as he gets older, VanHusen says he's becoming increasingly protective. He also loves to wrestle and play with his big sister.
VanHusen admits she sometimes gets a little teary when she watches her dogs interact.
"They're an inspiration to everyone," VanHusen said. "I hope others will see them and realize that a special needs pet deserves a chance. It takes a little effort, but it's absolutely worth it."