Radar—formerly known as Poncho—came into GRIN’s care in April 2019 after being surrendered by a local puppy mill. The mill operator said he was blind in one eye and possibly the other. She had purchased him for breeding only shortly before, but his vision impairment meant he could not be used for breeding. As it turned out, Radar was destined for a much better job.
After GRIN’s intake partner veterinarian examined him, Radar was referred to an ophthalmologist in hopes that some of his vision could be restored. Unfortunately, his condition was too advanced to treat successfully. His vision loss was believed to have been caused by untreated Lyme disease or eye infections—but Radar would soon prove that seeing the world is not the only way to navigate it.
Because we had experience caring for a blind dog, we immediately offered to foster
him. Before Radar came home, we visited him several times at the hospital. He would belly-crawl toward us, submissively urinating the whole way—a soggy little trail of bravery. When we finally brought him home, he was shut down and frightened. That first night, we sat on the floor with him. He refused to lie down until exhaustion made the decision for him and he gently toppled over. Then he pretty much slept through the next two days, apparently committed to catching up on every nap he had ever missed.
Over time, Radar began exploring the house, though he still showed typical mill-dog behaviors, including fear of doorways—even though he could not see them—and loud noises. We had two other Goldens then, Starr and Abby. Radar and Abby quickly became best buddies, and I often called Abby his therapy dog. With Abby as his fuzzy tour guide, Radar began following her outside, through doorways, and even on walks. Before long, the two of them were playing every day!
Over the next couple of years, Radar continued to make steady progress. I enrolled him in several classes, including scent work, where he was a superstar. Although he was the only visually impaired dog in the class, he was almost always the first to find the scent vessel, often within minutes. Eyesight, schmeyesight—Radar had a nose, and he knew how to use it. He also earned his Canine Good Citizen certification.
Because of his gentle, calm nature, I began to wonder whether Radar might be a good fit for therapy dog work. He was already a wonderful ambassador for GRIN events and home visits. I enrolled him in therapy dog classes at Woof Wise, and it quickly became clear that he had found his calling: professional comfort-giver, smile-maker, and all-around very good boy.
Since then, Radar has been certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and, for the past several years, has delivered comfort and smiles—with no shipping fee—to staff and students at Cuyahoga Community College, as well as visitors at local libraries, nursing homes, and elementary schools. He has also responded to crisis events involving the tragic deaths of children, quietly offering comfort to those who needed it most.
But don’t let Radar’s laid-back demeanor fool you—behind that calm exterior is a highly trained snack detective. Radar is a skilled counter-surfer, and no matter how thoroughly we “Radar-proof” the house, he has managed to swipe tomatoes, loaves of bread, a sandwich, and even a five-pound bag of apples, which we later found under the dining room table. He also raids the garbage whenever opportunity knocks. He has even figured out that tipping over the locked kitchen trash can can make it pop open, granting him access to the buffet within. We keep most doors inside our home closed because Radar is always ready for his next caper, whether that means chewing holes in socks, shredding paper, or stealing bags. His remarkable nose and creative approach to thievery never cease to amaze us.
Radar will turn 10 in January and is beginning to slow down. I have decided to retire him from therapy work at the end of this year so he can focus on his next important assignment: enjoying naps in his favorite dog bed and taking short neighborhood strolls at a pace that allows for plenty of sniffing.
Thank you, GRIN, for the care, dedication, and compassion you’ve shown—not only to Radar, but to every dog you help. Because of you, Radar was given a second chance at life—and the world was given one exceptionally lovable therapist and part-time snack bandit.
We are profoundly grateful for the chance to adopt Radar and give him the loving, safe, and joyful home he deserves. Somehow, this sweet, clever, occasionally bread-stealing boy has given us far more in return.
