Tiger eyes a bright new life
“Tiger is a treasure and time with him is an absolute treat”
Here’s a tale that could inspire its own Hollywood movie theme tune and mega hit. It’s about the eyes of the Tiger.
Stripey Tiger is a four-year-old Mastiff x who needed several rounds of surgery for cherry eye — a prolapse of the third eyelid gland — when he came into our care, and then spent time in foster care recovering.
Some people are put off by giant breeds, but Tiger’s special people had experience of large breed dogs and had plenty of room in their hearts for this big boy. His human mum, Janet, takes up the story of Tiger’s new life.
“Tiger is a treasure and time with him is an absolute treat,” she writes. “We had lost our four-year-old English Mastiff to cancer nine months prior, and the house was feeling empty without a dog.
“Our kids are all grown and we knew we did not want to be puppy parents, so for us adopting was a perfect solution. Tiger was a ‘good dog’ from the day we brought him home and, after three months, he has turned into the ‘perfect dog’.
“He is a laid-back guy, but still revs up to do zooms and run like the wind. He is very polite and always gracious — he’s a gentle soul and so funny!
“We are out and about a lot, walking in the bush, at the beach, or riding in the car doing errands. He loves his yard and I will often find him out basking where he can find sun. And bones are the best. Tiger is a great sleeper and loves his bed and the couch. He literally makes a purring sound when ‘tucked in’!
“He helps with chopping wood, gardening, and of course is great in the kitchen! Bananas and blueberries are his favourite. Tiger knows the routine of the house, and is always ready when we put on our shoes or get our keys. Where are we off to?
“Being unsure of Tiger’s background and his socialisation, we joined an obedience school. He goes once a week and we have all learned so much. He is a champion at lie down, sit, by my side, wait, and walking loose on his lead. Soon he will have a graduation certificate to share!
“Our next goal with Tiger is to see how he socialises with other dogs and find him a buddy. We may have to adopt one for him.
“As Mary Olive wrote: ‘Because of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift.’ To say we adore Tiger would be an understatement.”
