SALINAS, Calif. -- Old dogs are being tossed aside by their owners and now the SPCA for Monterey County is training their owners in hopes of giving the dogs a chance at a longer life.
Champ, a 10-year-old labrador retriever, became blind in both eyes over the last six months, so adjusting to a new way of life hasn't been easy.
On Wednesday, he took only a few steps of stairs, but for him it was a huge leap.
By listening to commands, he's starting to trust his instincts.
"He's also learned to maneauver different areas, whether you're talking stairs, front surfaces, letting him know he's going to be going from cement to grass, so he knows something is going to be a different texture, and it doesn't worry him," said Amanda Mouisset, pet behavior specialist for the SPCA.
Mouisset has been Champ's right hand woman for the last three weeks when his owners gave him up.
While he waits for a new home, he's learning commands so he feels comfortable with his surroundings.
But Champ isn't the only one that needs help.
The SPCA is hoping with new training that will teach dog owners and their pets how to cope, the bond will strengthen, so giving them up isn't an option.
The blind dog training classes start Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
Dogs will learn all of Champ's tricks and owners will learn ways to help their dog around the home, including providing various scents for different rooms, offering physical markets for doorways so they know where to turn, according to the SPCA.
To register online, visit www.SPCAmc.org/classes.html.
Other classes starting in mid-November include: Family Dog, Puppy, Out and About, Agility for Fun, Bully Breeds, Loose Leash Walking, and Tricks & Games.
You can also visit the SPCA or call (831) 373-2631 for information on the classes or to adopt Champ.
