Inspiring Blind Lab Crowned Pet Champion!

Jack the amazing English Lab fetches a buoy without eyesight

Meet Jack! An inspiring 10 year-old Labrador who was just crowned Pet Champion in the water sport category at the UK Spot On Awards! And guess what! He is Blind!

Jack lost his eye sight 3 years ago due to a progressive retinal atrophy disease, a common genetic disease found in dogs that worsens over time. Jack's owner, Margaret Simpson had to train him differently from other dogs but Jack caught on real fast and loving the water too.

Jack uses his sense of smell to retrieve objects

“When we got him, he was losing his sight and we taught him how to stop, look left and right, and when we were out walking, wherever there was water, he could sense it.

“Then he started going into ponds and canals using only his smell, putting his head underwater and bringing back big rocks.

“Then we started throwing in a dummy, which was better for his teeth, and he just dived in. That’s when we realized how talented he was.”

“I was really surprised when he won (Pet Champion Award) and it is great for him to finally be recognized for his achievements.” Said Margaret Simpson, who lives in Potters Green, Coventry England.

Watch in the following video as Jack locates an object on water without sight:

..and despite all that has happened to him, he doesn’t let any of it hold him back.” ~ Margaret Simpson

From the video clip, you can see how Jack remarkably uses his sense of smell and hearing to locate the dummy in the water and bring it back to shore as if he had full-on vision. Jack never allowed the lost of his sight discourage him. After being crowned the Water Sport Pet Champion, it demonstrates that perseverance can be an inspiration to all.

Mrs. Simpson and Jack

Mrs. Simpson also said “Jack really is the happiest dog we’ve ever had and a sociable dog, and despite all that has happened to him, he doesn’t let any of it hold him back.”