Zapp – an energetic greyhound-herding dog mix – works mostly by nose.
But if he can’t see, he can’t do the job he’s training for. And it’s an important job. Soon he’ll join the team at Michigan Search and Rescue, a volunteer crew that works with law enforcement to track down missing persons.
That’s why Zapp was among 35 working dogs who came through Michigan State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in May for free eye exams. Board-certified veterinary specialists at MSU volunteered their time as part of a national initiative run by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. This is the fifth year MSU has participated in the effort.
The event aims to protect the sight of animals that help people in need, with an emphasis on early detection of conditions that could cause trouble down the road. This year for the first time the exams were available not just to service animals, but also to therapy dogs.
That opened the door for Molly, Myleigh and Pebbles, a friendly trio with a pretty neat job: As part of the Tail Waggin’ Tutors program, they listen to stories read by children who struggle with reading.
“It’s such a great program,” said Lauren Montague, who co-owns the dogs with her best friend, Rachel Bernath, and brought them to East Lansing from West Unity, Ohio. “The kids’ eyes light up, because the dogs don’t judge them. They just listen.”
“It’s amazing how much the kids benefit from it,” Bernath added. “Their reading really improves.”
Fortunately, all three therapy dogs headed back to Ohio smiling after a problem-free checkup.
Zapp’s exam had a slight hitch. He has extra eyelashes that cause irritation and in severe cases can affect the health of the cornea.
For now, an eye lubricant should do the trick, said veterinary ophthalmologist and assistant professor Joshua Bartoe. He told Zapp’s owners, MSU employees Melissa and Nick Kwiatkowski, they should come back to next year’s free exam. If the prescription isn’t working well, they may need to consider surgery.
“But for now, his corneas look pristine,” Bartoe said. “As far as being able to do his job, I think he’ll be great.”