As pet owners, we often find it hard to accept that our beloved dogs might be struggling. They are perfect to us, no matter their quirks or health issues.
However, there comes a time when we have to confront reality, even when it’s tough.
For Vermont resident Casey Rock, that moment arrived when he noticed something strange about his senior Shih Tzu, Shimmy.
The elderly dog started walking into doors, and initially, Casey thought he understood the reason. He believed Shimmy’s long fur was obstructing his sight. But what he uncovered later was much more serious.
It Wasn’t Just His Hair
Shimmy came into Casey’s life when he was already fifteen years old, looking for a safe and loving home to spend his remaining years.
To Casey’s joy, Shimmy quickly adjusted and started to thrive. Despite his age, he became a lively senior pup, full of charm and personality.
Now seventeen, Shimmy still enjoys life. But recently, Casey began noticing that he was bumping into furniture and stumbling around more than usual.
Thinking his vision might be blocked by fur, Casey trimmed the hair around his eyes. Unfortunately, that didn’t fix the problem. If anything, Shimmy’s confusion grew worse.
Then came the moment that made everything clear. One day, Shimmy began barking at the door as if it were a person.
That’s when Casey realized what was really happening: Shimmy could hardly see at all.
“I thought my dog’s hair was getting in his eyes and that’s why he couldn’t see very well, so I got just a quick trim around his eyes, and he’s currently yelling at my door to give him food. He’s blind,” Rock wrote in the post.
Casey, who often shares funny moments of Shimmy on TikTok, decided to post this story too. He never imagined it would go viral, but soon the clip had thousands of comments.
“He’s not blind he just knows that door is hiding food somewhere and demanding it gives up its secret,” one person joked.
Another wrote, “Trimmed up my yorkie thinking the same. Then got his eyes checked. Hair is short, eyes are fine. Turns out he has dementia.”
Growing Older With Grace
Shimmy may be seventeen, but he continues to enjoy life to the fullest. His eyesight might have faded, but his energy and love for adventure remain strong.
He still takes several walks a day and delights everyone he meets.
Casey knows that caring for an elderly dog comes with challenges, but he’s devoted to keeping Shimmy comfortable and happy through every stage.
For now, Shimmy spends his days resting on his favorite couch, enjoying soft blankets, good food, and the love of his family. His golden years are exactly what every senior dog deserves—safe, warm, and filled with affection.