A NEW guide dog called Opal is proving a real gem – helping both her blind owner and his old blind dog get around.
The brilliant two-year-old bitch has literally stepped in after Edward did a fantastic job with Graham Waspe for over six years.
But last summer Edward developed inoperable cataracts.
And Graham’s beloved canine companion tragically had to have both his eyes removed.
Now Mr Waspe, 60, of Stowmarket, Suffolk, has Opal to help him and Edward get around their old haunts together.
Graham said: “Opal’s been great for both of us – I don’t know what we’d do without her.”
Edward is well known at schools and community groups around Suffolk that Mr Waspe and his wife Sandra have been visiting for many years.
The couple, always accompanied by Edward and now by Opal too, give talks about the Guide Dogs charity, training for such special dogs and the incredible ways they help their owners.
Sandra, 58, said that despite the loss of his eyes, Edward still loved nothing more than to be around children, have his tummy tickled and receive lots of attention.
Sandra is here walking Edward as Graham walks Opal.

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