Jasper is my soul mate.. a 14 year old Westie who suddenly lost his vision 2 years ago, and has been living in a world of complete darkness ever since.

But, despite the darkness he lives, he brings light to everyone he meets, both physically and ‘virtually’.

He is that ‘one in a million’ dog that has connected with people around the world, as they share the joy, the antics, the laughter (& tears) and mayhem of our funkyfido adventures.

We feel both blessed and privileged that Jasper is the key that has allowed us to share our adventures and form many wonderful friendships.

Jasper has had many challenges over his life.

And now we are suddenly faced with his biggest challenge- he needs urgent surgery to remove both his eyes.

Jasper has diabetes and requires twice daily insulin injections.

But the diabetes caused glaucoma (increasing eye pressure), which meant 3 different eye drops twice a day to keep the pressures at a safe and controlled level.

Two years ago, Jasper all of a sudden lost his vision.

Overnight his world became dark, and he became blind.

The vets told us that the glaucoma had become complicated by a ‘miscommunication’ between his brain and his eyes.

He was now blind.

But Jasper is a trooper!

And we did all we could to help him adapt to a world without vision.

We built ramps over stairs, placed beds/ drink stations in same location, his brother and sister wear collars with bells, we use clapping and ‘squeakers’ for him to locate us.

We removed any sharp objects that were ‘head height’.

We even designed a ‘bumpee’ soft helmet to protect from the ‘bangs’ as he bumped into walls etc.

We used a short lead and harness, took him for drives and when he could no longer walk without fear, we got him a chariot (a doggy pram!)

We engaged his other working senses with a snuffle mat and food activities.

And of course much cuddles and love.

He has adapted to his world without vision remarkably well.

But the glaucoma has become increasingly difficult to manage.

3 different eye drops twice a day for the past 2 years, yet his eye pressures were continuing to rise to both dangerous and painful levels.

Last week we were informed by his eye specialist that the eye drops could no longer safely control the eye pressures, and he was in significant pain.

Removal of both his eyes was the only option for treatment, and would provide immediate relief to his pain.

This was extremely confronting.

Jasper is blind, and he can’t see.

I know this.

But to never see his beautiful black soul penetrating eyes ever again…

I burst into tears.

I had to make the decision.. to stop his pain is to say ‘goodbye’, or to have the surgery (his eyes removed).

Although Jasper is a senior dog, with diabetes, the vets anticipate surgery would enable him to potentially live another few years of quality life.

It would provide immediate and ongoing relief (other than the initial surgical pain).

His eyes would look like he’s sleeping.

And when his beautiful eyebrows grew again (and he does have beautiful eyebrows), they would just look like a fluffy head.

Free of pain.

Free from the eye drops he so disliked.

Although I can’t imagine life without him, I would never allow him to endure pain or suffering.

The vets have assured me this surgery will give Jasper the quality of life he deserves to live out the rest of his days with his mum who loves him to the moon and back, his sister Winnie and brother Paddi, and his HUGE ‘furmily’ around the world who have connected with him through community and charity events, dog shows and social media.

Jaspers’s medical care has been extremely costly, and I am now faced with his eye surgery.

Like all ‘parents’ we do everything we can to make the lives of those we love, and dependent on us, as good as we can.

Times are tough.. for everyone.

I am on a disability pension, with my own significant health battles, but I am fiercely independent and proud.

It is my responsibility to care for and provide for my pets.

So, when several friends urged me to start a Go Fund Me account to enable ‘furiends’ who want, and are in a position to financially assist with his eye surgery:

My first response : NO (my pride got in the way)

My second response : NO (embarrassment that I cannot provide and care for my ‘kids’)

My 3rd & 4th response: OK (Jasper’s health IS my priority)

So.. here I am, with my piggy bank empty, and Jasper in urgent need for surgery.

He is a brave little fighter that still has many years to bring joy to myself, his sister Winnie, brother Paddi, and all our amazing friends that love him dearly.

He is a little battler, who has quite a health journey ahead of him.

But the surgery will provide an immediate improvement to type quality of his life, and I will continue to love him unconditionally. And be there to support and guide him.. and protect him with whatever means I can.

I need him.  

I love him.

And I will continue to fight for him.

But, it’s a tough gig.. and sometimes, you just need to accept you need a little help.

Which is a BIG help.

Thank you

All our love ❤️, woofs and waggles

Mummy J, Jasper, Winnie & Paddi.

Westie Wombles

Instagram : funkyfidos

Facebook: funkyfido