Save Foreman's Sight

Meet Foreman.  This handsome black Labrador was born and raised for a job.  He came into this world at the puppy kennel in San Rafael California at Guide Dogs for the Blind.   When he was approximately 7 weeks old he was given to a family to raise  until he was about 12-16 months old.  They taught  him acceptable house behavior, good manners, and basic commands.  He did well and was accepted into the program in which he was trained by certified trainers for about 8-10 weeks until he was ready to be paired with a blind person to spend his "working years". That meant being the eyes for someone who cannot see and help them navigate the world.  The most important part of his job was to keep his owner safe from harm while traveling the city, to school, to work and social activities.  A lot of walking and navigating traffic is imperative and Foreman did it well.  And he did it well for 7 years!  He was always ready at a moments notice for the days activities and never complained.  He was just happy to be out in front guiding Sarah for an occasional kibble treat.  
   Foreman retired about 3 years ago and we were privileged in having the opportunity to own him in his retirement years.  He actually joined a former housemate of his who we also adopted and felt very comfortable here.  (He had visited many times and this was really his second home).  
   A few months ago I noticed Foreman's energy was off and he seemed to have some irritation going on in his eyes.  I took him immediately to our vet and he was given some drops and sent home.  Within a few weeks it was apparent it wasn't clearing up and he often would not eat breakfast.  For a lab that is unheard of!  I took him to another vet and we got some really bad news.  Whatever was happening in the last few weeks had damaged his right eye so severely she felt it most likely could not be saved, but he needed to see a veterinarian ophthalmologist to save his left eye immediately.  Driving 2 hours we put him in the car and immediately went for the best of care.  Unfortunately the vet confirmed that his right eye was totally blind and actually causing him a great deal of pain.  It was determined to be in the best interest of Foreman to remove his eye surgically.  This specialty vet also said that his left eye needed stronger drugs and ongoing checks for the rest of his life to save what vision he had left. 
    Well, we are now retired and not prepared to fund this kind of expense.  So far his medical bills have totaled over $5,000.00.  But when we adopted him we agreed to do whatever was in his best interest and with hopefully 5 good years left we did not hesitate to get him taken care of.  After being the eyes for his human companion for so many years we find this extremely unjust.  We just want to be able to give this  gentle giant a good life, loving home, and be pain free. 
   We are putting our pride aside and asking for donations to save Foreman's sight, no matter how small. We're hoping that friends, family, dog lovers everywhere and those that are involved and support the guide dog community will feel it in their hearts to help.
Below are some words from Sarah, his former owner.

On July 26, 2009 I graduated from the San Rafael campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) with an amazing dog. Foreman was the perfect example of GDB's ability to match someone with the right dog for them. He patiently walked with me through so many transitions from graduating high school to moving into my own home. With him, I felt like I could go anywhere. We developed a bond of trust that lasted for seven fabulous years. I have a new dog now, but I will always be grateful for the time Foreman and I had. He enriched my life in more ways than I can express. He is a blessing and a gift from God. Thank you Foreman for our strong bond and all the time we shared. I love you so much.