Buddha (known as Boo) is a fun, happy and cheeky chappy who has been through a terrible time this year. He is a loving and loved member of the family who gets on with everyone and loves to play. After grieving the loss of both his older sisters through the year, around 4 months ago he went for a routine dental op which ended up triggering diabetes due to the stress of the operation and the anaesthetic involved. Since the end of August '17 we have battled to gain control of his diabetes, and eventually won but unfortunately it left him with cataracts which quickly developed over about a month and a half and have now left him completely blind. His eyes have also become a little inflamed because of the cataracts so he has been given eye drops for the next month to keep them lubricated and calm the inflammation.

This has changed his personality; he has become terrified to go outside, to try and walk up and down steps or stairs and afraid of anyone approaching him in the street because he cannot judge their intentions. He keeps bashing into things, tripping and slipping; it has left him feeling isolated and he has started to become depressed despite us trying to still keep him involved in everything and keep him positive. He no longer runs around or enjoys being outside. Other than his diabetes (and cataracts) he is in excellent health, is fit and active, has regular health checks and is expected to live quite a few more years. He has shown no signs of slowing down. He wears a high-viz jacket to go outside as it is quite dark here at this time of year and people need to know he is there as he cannot move out of their way in time:

Cataract surgery is a fairly simple, but expensive procedure which will hopefully turn his life back around and allow him the freedom to be himself again. We feel it would be cruel to keep him blind for years when it can be easily fixed but having spent thousands trying to get his diabetes under control we are struggling to find the money to pay for this operation. Anything you can donate will be so gratefully received by both us and Boo! Please help if you can. The full funds will be spent on his operation and hospital stay.

A photo of Boo before the diabetes and cataracts:

Thanks again for any help you can spare us and here is a final photo of Boo smiling!