Saving Bagel's Eyesight

Hi, my name is Polly, and the very handsome chap in the photo is my best friend, Bagel.

Bagel is a nearly 5-year-old Romi Rescue. Bagel came into my life when he was just 4 months old. He was a street dog and was dumped with his sister as a puppy. Bagel and I have been together nearly every day for the past 4 and 1/2 years. Those who know Bagel, will know his huge personality, his particularly beautiful toes, and his absolute zest for life and making friends.

For those who haven't had the pleasure of meeting my little man, Bagel is a big dog in a little leg doggo body. He will rough and tumble with the best of them! He also absolutely LOVES a cuddle and nap. He has the softest fur and the sweetest smell. He is incredibly loving.

Bagel has joined me on many adventures, from London to the highlands of Scotland. He has travelled on a train for 5 hours from London to Edinburgh and back for a city break, and he LOVES the seaside! We regularly go camping together and he loves a pub stop.

Very recently, Bagel's behaviour seemed to change. From a friendly happy boy, he was getting very startled by people and other dogs walking past when out and about, he also got anxious out on walks when meeting other dogs. We took him to the vet who referred us to an eye specialist.

I am heartbroken to write that Bagel has advanced cataracts in both eyes. He is no longer able to see out of his right eye and only has 40% vision in his left eye. Due to his age, the cataract will likely continue to develop quickly. If left untreated, the cataract will take over and could cause very painful inflammation in his eyes and he will lose 100% of his sight. We know that dogs can be very happy without eyesight, however, they are usually less mobile and older when they do go completely blind. At 4 1/2 years old, and with no other health issues, I am truly heartbroken for my boy.

I have been quoted £6,350 for surgery for both of his eyes to have replacement lenses which will cure his cataract. This cost includes all blood tests, heart and other testing before the surgery, the surgery itself, and 3 follow-up appointments.

It is a lot of money, and I am hoping to raise as much as I can through various ways and means (selling odds and bobs, savings goals, planned fundraisers etc) and so this GoFundMe is just one avenue. I hope to raise this money over the next year so that we can get the surgery done before any substantial inflammation starts.

I have been given eye drops for him twice daily to try and control the inflammation until we can get the surgery. The plan is to monitor Bagel to see if his vision impacts him more over time (bumping into things etc) and then make a call on when the surgury needs to happen based on his symptoms.

Bagel has so much life left to live, and so much love to give. I want him to grow old with me pain-free and enjoy all the pleasures life has to give. Seeing him get nervous and his personality change has given me a glimpse into his future without the surgury and I hope it is something we can improve for him as I worry he won't cope without his sight.

The hope is that Bagel can live out the rest of his hopefully 10+ years of happy days chasing other doggos and coming out on adventures with me. I don't know what I would do without him.

Thank you for reading Bagel's story, wish us luck in reaching our goal!