An eleven-year-old golden retriever named Charlie lost his eyesight due to glaucoma, but a new friend is giving him a renewed leash on life and helping him look on the bright side.
Charlie's owners Adam and Chelsea Stipe from Mooresville, North Carolina, made the difficult decision to have his left eye removed in 2016 due to the pain caused by the glaucoma.
A year later, Charlie's right eye was removed for the same reason.
Despite the expensive but necessary procedure, Chelsea Stipe said it was an easy decision. She told NBC.
"For us it was a no-brainer, empty our retirement plan to care for this dog because he makes us happy."
Thankfully, the Stipe's paired Charlie up with his own "seeing eye puppy" – a four-month old who is named Maverick.
The pair has established a very special bond that warrants their own Instagram page.
Meet Charlie and Maverick.
Charlie didn't take to the new family member at first, but in a matter of time, Maverick adopted his important role in helping Charlie "see" and won him over.
Chelsea Stipe told TODAY:
"When Maverick and Charlie play, it's definitely great to watch because Charlie turns into such a puppy. It's sweet to see them get along and enjoy each other."
Maverick is such a good doggo; he makes sure he walks close to his impaired companion so he doesn't bump into anything. "They almost turn into little sled dogs where they'll walk together," observed Chelsea.
Despite losing his vision, Chelsea said Charlie hasn't given up on having a good time, and Maverick is ensuring he won't miss a thing.
"When they would play, Maverick would realize that Charlie would lose the toy sometimes, so (Maverick) would pick it up and put it back in front of him to re-engage playtime," she told NBC Philadelphia.
It doesn't get any cuter than this.
@charlieandmav/Instagram
@charlieandmav/Instagram
Since starting the Instagram account a week ago, their page gained over 65K followers to date.
It's no wonder why animal lovers are falling in love with this adorable duo.
@charlieandmav/Instagram
@charlieandmav/Instagram
@charlieandmav/Instagram
@charlieandmav/Instagram
We could learn a thing or two from our furry friends.
@charlieandmav/Instagram
@charlieandmav/Instagram
Chelsea said the response to her pals's Instagram page has been overwhelming, and other owners whose dogs suffered from glaucoma reached out to the Stipes.
"We have definitely been overwhelmed with the response, but it's such a good thing. We love how positive the community is and how happy (the dogs) are making everyone."
You can follow Charlie and Maverick's Instagram page for more photos.
Their page's description reads:
"Two best buds living life to the fullest."
They sure are leading by example.
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