Blind dog takes first trip to a lake and his infectious joy leaves the internet smiling

A video shared by u/schmob3rry on Reddit captures the first time Steven, a blind rescue dog, set foot near a large lake, unsure of the waves but surrounded by his family’s encouragement. The clip shows Steven walking along the shore, sniffing the air, and slowly gaining confidence as waves lap against his feet. It was his first major camping trip, and the experience captured the attention of many online.

Born with severe congenital glaucoma, Steven had both of his eyes removed at just four weeks old. He was discovered beneath a house in rural Alberta, in pain and in need of urgent care. A local rescue stepped in, and soon after, Steven found a home with Chayse Fulton. "He has never had sight, so he doesn't actually know what he's missing out on, which I think contributes to how happy he truly is," Fulton told Newsweek. Steven, affectionately called Stevie, is described as adventurous, friendly, and always ready for something new. "It was his first time out on an official camping trip this year, and he has never been to a body of water quite that large, and he hasn't experienced one that has big waves in it yet, so it was his first time," Fulton said. 

At first, Steven hesitated. "He couldn't figure out what the sound was of them crashing on the shore. So, while he was on leash, we gave him lots of reassurance and told him he was a good boy." In the video, Steven is joined by his young human sister, who walks beside him and helps guide him through the new environment. With time and patience, Steven began chasing the water, darting back and forth across the sand. Fulton joked that many online viewers believed "he was definitely saving us from a tsunami." For Fulton, "it was a very proud moment." He said, "I have put so much time and effort into his confidence, training, and situations like this really show the hard work paying off. He had everyone laughing on the beach," he said. 

Fulton shared that Steven is equally adventurous in his day-to-day life, adding, "We haven't found a single thing he doesn't enjoy yet from walks, to off-leash hiking, to swimming, making friends, and everything in between." He also shared that his "favorite part of owning Stevie is how he shows so many people online and in person how blind dogs, or any disabled animal for that matter, just need the right home and to be given a chance, and they can thrive and live a very happy and fulfilled life." Fulton's belief is also supported by research. A 2022 article in the IAABC Journal, based on experiences from trainers and owners, found that blind dogs can live full, confident lives when given proper training and supportive environments

Steven is the third blind dog Fulton has adopted. "I think they find me for a reason, and I love doing what I do," he said. Many were moved by Steven’s confidence and joy, and expressed their love for the furry animal. u/Loud-Firefighter-787 wrote, "He is everything. What a beautiful angel awww. Please give Steven a big snoot smoocher from me!" u/Weapon530 said, "I’m getting teary-eyed watching this beautiful little angel." u/Kanienkeha_ka added, "Oh my, he is absolutely beautiful. This says everything about you as a wonderful dog owner. Thank you for loving him and cherishing him until the very end."