Each orphan pet that comes through the doors of Helen Woodward Animal Center displays unique traits and challenges, but each one has a pure heart. This September, the Center welcomed a sweet puppy who looked as if she was giving you a little wink. Kairo, a 13-week-old Cur blend, came to the Center from Louisiana with three siblings earlier in the month. Unlike her siblings, Kairo’s features were special. She was born with microphthalmia in her left eye, a rare genetic condition where a puppy’s eye is abnormally small.
In the case of Kairo, it also meant that her left eye was completely blind. She can still see out of her right eye, in fact, she relies on it, her sense of smell and hearing to perceive the world around her. However, being blind in one eye comes with challenges. Kairo has no peripheral vision on her left side, which means she can only see about 70% of what a dog with two working eyes can see. She also doesn’t have accurate depth perception. This makes playing fetch a bit difficult for her, as she can’t always tell how far someone may have thrown the ball.
Kairo received an abundance of love at Helen Woodward Animal Center and her foster family who helped socialize her and give her an environment where she can thrive despite her disability. After weeks of thorough medical evaluations, the Center’s veterinarian team was happy to confirm that her left eye wasn’t causing her pain. Not only that, as she became more comfortable around people and opened up to the Center’s loving staff, she became as energetic as her brothers and sister. At times, even more playful than her siblings! Regardless of the challenges Kairo may face because of her condition, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s adoption staff knew she’d be able to live a happy and healthy life and were excited to start her forever family search. After a brief two-and-a half-week stay, Kairo found her forever with a local family who gives her all the love she deserves.
